Communication and Mutual Problem Solving

(Rexburg Temple)

Ephesians 4:

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

>>>>> it is pretty much impossible to be angry and not sin, whether in thought or action, anger is of the devil. Anger is a secondary emotion that stems from other natural emotions like frustration, we need to control our emotions and figure them out before we are tempted to anger.

27 Neither give place to the devil.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

>>>> Our words need to lift others up, we need to be an example and a teacher through what we say. We need to give grace to others, grace is something that we get even though we don't deserve it. We aren't in charge of labeling what others deserve but if we feel like they don't deserve something we need to administer grace and both parties will learn and grow and benefit.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

>>> Who are we to not forgive someone when God forgives all.

THE COUNSEL METHOD

The first presidency and quorum of the twelve have a weekly meeting to make important church decisions in the temple. Their counsel method is amazing and everyone would benefit from it if they instilled in within their own families.

>First they all know the agenda so that everyone can pray about it the night before and be prepared to share their thoughts

>They meet once a week, this is important because it sets up a pattern and makes it easier for everyone to be comfortable in the process.

>Next they meet a little early and express their love an appreciation for one another, this would be such a blessing in a family if everyone knew how much they meant to one another.

>They open the meeting with a prayer. This invites God and the spirit so that there will be no alterior motives or strife and so that they can receive inspiration and know what God's will is on the matter.

>They go around the room in order and EVERYONE in the room gets time to say their piece on the subject and what they think God's will would be. This is so important because everyone feels equal and the other family members get to understand everyone a little more deeply. You never know who is more ready to receive a certain type of inspiration and who might be able to explain it.

>Next they all reach a CONSENSUS. This is important that everyone agrees on God's will because then no one feels like they are being forced to do something. This would make decisions as a family so much stronger and the children would be more willing to join if they are a part of the process.

>Then they end with a prayer, expressing gratitude to the Lord for helping them come to a decision. This is very important because not only is it necessary to give thanks to God but it also helps us recognize how the Lord might reveal revelation to us.

>After the prayer they all share a treat/refreshment together. This puts a "good taste" in their mouths about the meeting and there is just something about sharing food that unifys people.

This method is such a good thing to instill in our families! Every part of the Counsel Method is inspired and beneficial. I am going to do this someday with my family.