When I meet a new person, I find myself asking three questions:

Is this person safe?

Is this person shallow?

Will this person stab me in the back?

These aren’t questions of judgment as much as they are questions of discernment.

1. Is this person emotionally and conversationally safe?

Are they angry or edgy?

Do they seem overly stressed?

Do they put others at ease?

Do they ask thoughtful questions about me, or only talk about themselves?

2. Is this person shallow?

Do the topics stay limited to the weather, the price of gas, sports, or weekend plans?

Does every problem have a quick and easy solution?

Do they discuss emotions, relationships, faith, struggles, and growth? 

3. Will This Person Stab Me in the Back? (Conversationally)

Do they regularly tear other people down?

Do they criticize those who are not present?

Do they attack the weak?

Do they create ugly nicknames and enjoy laughing at others?

Closing Thought-

Learning to assess a person’s emotional health through conversation is an important skill.

Jesus engaged every person differently. He knew when to ask questions, when to challenge, when to remain silent, and when to walk away.

Prayer-

Father, teach me to recognize safe people, love difficult people wisely, and grow in discernment. Help me to be like Jesus- gracious and truthful in every conversation. Amen.

Scripture-

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”   Matt. 20:16 (NIV)