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Tact

"To 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."¹

"British statesman and financier Cecil Rhodes, whose fortune was used to endow the world-famous Rhodes Scholarships, was a stickler for correct dress—but apparently not at the expense of someone else's feelings. A young man invited to dine with Rhodes arrived by train and had to go directly to Rhodes's home in his travel-stained clothes. Once there, he was appalled to find the other guests already assembled, wearing full evening dress. After what seemed a long time Rhodes appeared, in a shabby old blue suit. Later the young man learned that his host had been dressed in evening clothes, but put on the old suit when he heard of his young guest's dilemma."²

In the words of Dale Carnegie, if we are going to "win friends and influence people," it is important that we understand people and, as much as possible (within moral bounds of course), that we are sensitive to their situation and, as much as possible, identify with them. As the old saying goes, "to win some we need to be winsome."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an understanding heart and help me always to be sensitive to the needs and situation of others so that my life will be a channel of your love to every life I touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV).
2. Today in the Word, February, 1991, p. 10.

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