Devotional – Listening

Devotional

Big picture Listen before you speak.

• The Bible says, being a good communicator is all about being a good listener!
• That’s right! By listening you are communicating with others WITHOUT SAYING A WORD!
• You are communicating LOVE to others by listening. Others are more important than being heard or being right! (Love your neighbor as yourself.)
• Q: Can you think of a time when you talked over someone else without listening first? We all do it. But that doesn’t make it right, or Godly.
• Next, the Bible says to be a good communicator we need slow down and think before we speak. Not to speak slowly. Not to say nothing, but to wait & think before you talk.
• Q: Does anyone know why you might want to wait before you say something?
  • It gives you time to cool down if you are angry. To think God’s thoughts, not angry thoughts.
  • Gives you time to think more clearly. Wiser answers may float to surface.
  • Gives time for the Holy Spirit to speak to you what to say.
  • Shows respect to others especially your elders to let them speak first.
  • Builds your self-control “muscle” (Self-control = Fruit of the Spirit)
• Lastly, the Bible says a good communicator doesn’t let anger make you say something hurtful.
• Q: Has anyone ever said some angry words? Did anger help? Do you regret saying them?
• Getting angry happens, but you need to have self-discipline to not hurt others with your words.
• Angry words are like bombs! They hurt people. More than we may know.
• Best to not say anything and give it to God, rather than exploding on people with anger.
• Remember! Good communicators: Listen before they speak.
  • Fruit of the Spirit --> love, patience, kindness