To respond with grace-filled integrity as we speak the truth in love to staff during evaluations, even when they don’t react accordingly, we need the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to preserve unity.
We need the Spirit to develop within us the “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22) essential to Christ-like, godly responses.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Gal. 5:13-16)
Signs of Spirit-Led Responses
As Galatians 5:19-21 says, “the acts of the flesh are obvious” so we won’t look at signs we’re not walking in the Spirit. Spirit-led responses tend to go against our fleshly feelings and attitudes when someone disagrees or negatively reacts to what we say. That’s why we need the power of the Holy Spirit to rise above.
If the person we’re evaluating spews hateful words, the Spirit-led retort is “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).
If the staff member consistently brings negativity and discouragement into the discussion, you will instead “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” leading to “all joy and peace as you trust in him” (Rom. 15:13).
If he/she sows discord, the Spirit-led response makes “every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19).
If the person just doesn’t seem to be getting what you’re trying to share, the Spirit-led response exercises forbearance as you “correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2).
If he/she lashes out at you with spiteful and hurtful words, being led by the Spirit, you will instead “heap burning coals on his head” (Rom. 12:20) by responding with kindness.
If the staff member tries to deflect what you’re saying by pointing to the faults of others, the Spirit-led response seeks to promote “what is good for each other and for everyone else” so it isn’t about covering up or paying back wrong for wrong (1 Thess. 5:15).
If the person wrongly puts the blame on you or threatens to quit, by the Spirit you are able to assure the person of your continued support or faithfulness because you want to “be devoted to one another in love” (Rom. 12:10).
If pride surfaces, causing the person to get angry at what’s being said, rather than be teachable, the Spirit within you will enable you to “be completely humble and gentle” (Eph. 4:3) because “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Ps. 15:1).
If the staff member seems to be trying to push your buttons to get you into an argument, the Spirit will help you maintain self-control because if there’s “quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” (1 Cor. 3:3)
More times than not, these Spirit-led responses will become a contagion causing others reconsider their reactions. And, if not, we remain faithful and continue to “make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Rom. 14:19).
For More, Go To:
All Posts about Staff Evaluations:
- Staff Evaluations: Yikes?
- Staff Evaluations: All Inclusive?
- Staff Evaluations: The Great Commission Way?
- Staff Evaluations: Done with Integrity?
- Staff Evaluations: Being Truthful?
- Staff Evaluations: A Balanced Approach?
- Staff Evaluations: The Right Focus?
- Staff Evaluations: Change is Possible
- Staff Evaluations: Goals Based on God’s Power
- Staff Evaluations: Tied in to the Gospel?
- Grace Sufficient for Staff Evaluations
- Staff Evaluations: Assessing Ministry Fit?
- Best Person to Do Staff Evaluations?
- A Leader’s Spiritual Gifts Can Affect Staff Evaluations
- Options for Leaders Not Gifted for Doing Staff Evaluations
- Reactions & Responses in Staff Evaluations
- Spirit-Led Responses During Staff Evaluations
- Spiritual Truths for Staff Evaluations
- Spiritual Armor for Staff Evaluations
- Prayer Needed When Doing Staff Evaluations
- Staff Evaluations Assessing Effect on the Lord’s Name
- Bringing Hope into Staff Evaluations
- Staff Evaluations to Help People Do Ministry God’s Way
- Impact of Church Leadership Roles on Staff Evaluations