Sensitivity Is Perceiving the True Attitudes and Emotions of Those Around Me

Sensitivity is perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of those around me.

A TAXING SENSITIVITY

By Ron Wallie

Husband and Father of Nine, Southington, OH

Our Biblical Example Of Sensitivity – Jesus

Read Matthew 17:24-27

There is a question we ask each other, sometimes abbreviated WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? We use this question to guide us in making decisions about right and wrong. We also use it when encountering a situation for which we cannot find an exact counterpart or directive in Scripture. We try to imagine what Jesus would do if he were in our circumstances.

In the verses in Matthew, a temple tax worth about two days wages was being collected. They were even trying to collect this tax from Jesus. But Jesus told Peter that He should not have to pay this tax.* (See Editor’s note below) However, Jesus was sensitive to the expectations and faulty thinking of those around Him and paid the tax anyway. He did not want this to become an issue that would prevent them from understanding more important teachings.

When reading the Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), we often see this sensitivity displayed by Jesus. He knew how people around Him were responding to what He was saying and doing. This does not mean He always accommodated them: Sometimes, Jesus was willing to say things that would hurt feelings: See Matthew 23:13-35 where Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, blind guides, snakes and other names. Jesus knew they needed to appreciate their sinful condition, and He made it clear to them.

Sensitivity In Our Lives

Here are “I will” statements to help us be more like Jesus.

I will listen to others fully.

I will watch facial expressions.

I will notice tone of voice.

I will put myself in others’ shoes

I will show that I care.

Sensitivity In My Life This Week

If sensitivity only meant awareness of others’ attitudes and emotions, we would not be fully in accord with the axiom, WWJD. Jesus not only was aware of the true attitudes and emotions of those around him, He also was sensitive to how He should respond to each one. Good parents realize this with their children: One child will take correction seriously with just a word. Another child won’t take correction unless stricter actions are employed. So, if you are a parent, ask God how you can best respond to the attitudes and actions of your child(ren). If you are not a parent, start with the people you are around the most (spouse, parents, brothers and sisters, coworkers, classmates). We tend to be less sensitive with those with whom we are familiar. Ask the Lord Jesus to forgive you for past callousness. Pray for those around you, asking God to help you perceive their true feelings and how best to respond to them.

Sensitivity is: Exercising my senses so that I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me; Being alert to the promptings of the Holy Spirit; Avoiding danger by sensing wrong motives in others; Knowing how to give the right words at the right time.