“The Smartest Response to Belittling Comments” with Jefferson Fisher

When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29 NCV

It’s that time of year where we are experiencing the shifting of seasons. It may not be in the official changes of specific weather, temperatures, and changes in nature, but I believe that when summer comes to an end and everyone attending school or works for a school returns to that schedule, it signifies a distinct change in the environment.

For me, it also marks the upcoming major holidays that are celebrated in the United States: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, and that all sorts of gatherings will soon be on (my) the calendars.

Can anyone relate?

With all that activity on the horizon, it is without fail that somewhere along the way I will likely encounter someone who will push my buttons with a snarky comment. How can that not happen with so many opportunities that lay before me, especially with family members and close friends? Right?

Perhaps you start to prep with a mental warm~up to get ready. Maybe you script potential responses to anticipated comments. I get it. And I recognize the hard work this becomes for you (and me), as we know our moment “in the ring” is inevitable.

One of my personal mantras is to live life with few regrets. That includes the regrets that usually are the result of an unexpected fallout with someone familiar (you can name your own person ~ I know you have them in mind already). And it doesn’t have to be a big blow-up or physical knockdown fight, but the most intense and severe ones are with our words.

People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them, ⁸ but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison. ⁹ We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself. ¹⁰ Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen. James 3:7-9 NCV

What if there was a way to be equipped and prepared without losing your mind and dropping your Crown? Remember, you are a Daughter of the King (if you are in Christ Jesus). It is possible, Friend, to have a mind shift and to still live as a woman of integrity and dignity.

I share this brief monologue from Jefferson Fisher, expert trial attorney, who offers some of the most sound advice that I have heard when it comes to managing these kinds of encounters. His advice (take notes on his three prescribed critical steps) aligns with how GOD commands us to respond in difficult situations: *Without shaming, *without vengeance, and *without speaking harshly. And then we can confidently place it in the Hands of GOD and let Him deal with the outcome. Walk the process in faith, and trust Him to do the rest.

It goes without saying that we will have difficult moments in life and with other people (unless we live alone in a cave). And as long as we are all imperfect, we will have very imperfect meet ups. However, we don’t have to give the enemy of our souls a foothold into our day by inviting destruction with our words.

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary

*Thank you to Jefferson Fisher for this.

https://www.youtube.com/@jeffersonfisher

Texas board certified personal injury attorney and law firm owner of Fisher Firm. In 2022, he began making videos of his practical communication tips to help people argue less and talk more effectively. Whether it’s through his videos, podcasts, or live talks, he is committed to helping you become more articulate, confident, and persuasive in every conversation.

You can listen to Jefferson Fisher on YouTube, Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and TikTok. Be sure to check out his latest book: “The Next Conversation – Argue Less, Talk More.”