Tact

Introduction

1. If anyone has ever put their foot-in-mouth more than I have, I would like to meet them.

2. Saying the right thing sure is an art (Prov.25:11).

3. Let’s see if we can go over some things in the Bible and see what it teaches.

4. “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865).

5. Definition: Tact is a careful consideration of the feelings and values of another so as to create harmonious relationships with a reduced potential for conflict or offense.

1. THE BIBLE DOES TELL US CERTAIN THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE.

   1. The beauty of some people.

      1. One person said, “God sees all people the same.”

      2. Sara was fair to look upon (Gen.12:11; 13:14). The word “fair” means beautiful, good to look upon.

      3. Rebekah was fair to look upon (Gen.24:16).

      4. Notice Leah and Rachel (Gen.29:17).

      5. Skin deep beauty alone is trouble (Gen.6:2; Prov.31:10). There are many passages in Proverbs telling us of the wanton woman.

      6. King David was fair to look upon (1 Sam.17:42). David’s countenance was good to look upon. David’s daughter, Tamar, was fair to look upon (2 Sam.13:1).

   2. The ailments of others.

      1. The Bible says Eglon was a very fat man (Judges 3:17).

      2. Some had diseases (2 Chron.21:19; Mt.4:24; Acts 28:9).

      3. Some had birth defeats (2 Sam.21:20).

   3. The intelligence of some.

      1. The Bible speaks of the wisdom of Solomon (1 K.3).

      2. The parable of the talents (Mt.25:15).

      3. The sower (Mt.13:22). Some bring forth more fruit than others.

      4. Wise and Foolish virgins (Matthew 25)

2. SHOULD WE MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THESE THINGS?

   1. The answer is pretty obvious.

      1. I don’t think most of us, or really all of us, want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

      2. Feelings must be considered (Colossians 4:5-6).

      3. One preacher speaks about his problem of being over weight. He has had brethren tell him he needs to lose weight, like he didn’t know that. He has a good preacher friend who has had acne quite bad as a teen and brethren have told him to needs to do something about it because it was quite offensive. Some people wonder why there is strife in the church.

      4. Saying things like that to the wrong person could cost you a tooth.

      5. “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

      6. Are we not to be tenderhearted (Ephesians 4:32)?

   2. The Bible tells us to build each other up (Hebrews 10:24).

      1. Jude 20.

      2. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but that doesn’t mean for us to put each other down. Remember 1 Cor.13.

      3. Self-esteem is an important issue whether it’s a teenager or any ager. We can hurt/damage a person and cause hard feelings (Lk.17:1-2). They leave for another congregation, give up the faith, and have hateful feelings the rest of their life. True, they should have gone to that person instead of harboring those feelings (Mt.5:23-24; 18:15-20; cf. Prov.18:19).

      4. There is a man that seems to keep his age while his wife hasn't. Should one say, “My, you have really aged”?

      5. Things that make for peace (Rom.14:17, 19; Eph.4:3; Heb.12:14; James 3:17).

   3. All of us have some type of imperfections.

      1. Some are over weight, too skinny. They have an imperfection with a certain body part.

      2. It’s too bad you can’t look like how you feel. To tell you the truth, I never really wanted to look like someone else. Now that I’m older I could use some help.

      3. Yes the Bible brings out certain imperfections, but the Lord does see on the inside (1 Samuel 16:7).

Conclusion:

1. Remember, we are all made in the image of God (Gen.1:26). Some do have birth defects or problems…some physical and some mental.

2. God wants us to use whatever we have and wherever we are.

3. We must think before we speak and if I or anyone else has hurt your feelings either by speaking or writing, you are obligated to seek that person out and tell them.