How To Overcome Personal Biases

Paul, the apostle said, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. to those under the law I became like one under the law, so as to win those under the law. Too the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by ALL possible means I might save some." (I Corinthians 9:20-22)

Professor Griffin of Wheaton college gives some great tips to overcome prejudice:

a. We assume others will react to the world just as we do and so we jump to conclusions.

b. We expect others to understand what we do, say, see and think.

c. We give undue weight to first impressions.

d. Negative data makes a bigger impact on us than positive information.

e. It is easier to spot others' displeasure than their satisfaction.

f. We attribute more freedom of action to others than they really have.

g. We hold ourselves less responsible for our actions than the situation warrants.

h. We fail to remember that we are far from perfect and still in the processes of maturing.

As long as we are aware of our natural prejudices, shortcomings and tendencies to let our old sinful nature affect our thinking, we are on the way to building successful relationships.

SEEK TO DEVELOP PERSONAL FRIENDSHIPS

Do it with people through the following channels or activities:

a. Mutual goals - Discuss objectives that you can share with people through your work, ministries or conversations.

b. Mutual interests - Discuss areas where you share similar concerns and activities

c. Mutual experiences - See where you share similar backgrounds, knowledge or feelings about a range of topics by learning how to ask good questions.

d. Mutual understandings - Look for areas where you agree before you fight with others about the areas where you disagree.

e. Mutual trust - Without confidence in a person's word, people will only accept a small fraction of what is said. Earning trust comes through proven reliability, faithfulness, and dependability over a wide range of situations.

f. Mutual commitments - Despite all the differences between you and some people, agree on the areas where you share collective commitments.