There's a merry go round in the world these days. Messages go from one side to the other but are we assured that the right message will get across.
All throughout our life, we will communicate in various ways. This could be verbal via phone, voice notes, conference calls, face to face. Then there's non-verbal such as messaging, emails, text and everything else in between.
What has stumped most people is the idea that they don't know how to communicate. Communicating and knowing how to communicate are two separate ideas.
Let's see what the Bible says about communication
James 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Proverbs 18:13 - He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him
When you read the word, you will find many gems of how to communicate. The biggest difficulty the kingdom has today is Communication. Lack of communication or a communication breakdown is the number one reason why many things fall. It can be marriage, your relationships with people, or even in business.
Whenever a message is given to someone, the responsibility on both parties is to check that each other has understood the message and it's always good to go over the message and to be sure that they have got the message.
However, one can only get the message if they are silent whilst the other is speaking. It can be very frustrating when people don't listen to what was said. If we are to be effective communicators within the kingdom, we must first learn how to listen to people rather than speak over them. We should listen to understand and not listen just to respond.
The other sticking point is hearing and listening. We often have this belief that hearing is the same as listening but it really isn't. Hearing is the ability to perceive sound by ear but listening goes much deeper. Listening is something that we choose to do, listening is something that not everyone has mastered. To really listen to someone, we have to be free of noise and distractions. When we listen intentively, it leads to understanding. The more you listen, the more you will know.
How about when you want to confront someone or having to resolve an argument. Do you know how to? Do you know how to communicate in the heat of the moment?
Matthew 18:15-17 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Romans 12:17-21 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord
The number one test in our walk with God is how can we handle conflict? I believe that everyone should settle their differences no matter how long it takes. The first stage in conflict is to settle every issue you may have but if it can't be resolved, then call in other parties so they can help mediate.
Dealing with conflict is very key if we are to have long-standing relationships with people. Conflict will arise but how you deal with it is very key.
In conclusion, Hearing is a gift but listening is a skill. Choose to listen, choose to understand. Deal with conflicts in a godly manner.
Ryan
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