When you become a Christian, you have certain privileges because you have surrendered your way and your will to Him, you are His. When you chose Him, God put a blood line around you that the enemy cannot cross. Hallelujah! As long as you keep God first place in your life, you have a hedge of protection, a hedge of favour, a hedge of mercy surrounding you like a shield.
When difficulties come, God says that because you’re His child, because you honour Him, because you put Him first even when issues are formed in your life, in the end they well not prosper, it’s not going to harm you. God is going to turn it around and use it to your good. That’s your promise and privilege as a believer!
Today, I’m not saying that you’ll never have problems. No, life is full of difficulties. The promise God is making to you is that when evil, issues and problems come against you, because you’re in a covenant relationship with Him, you can stay in peace, knowing that it is not going to prosper. God has already paved the way for you to live in victory in every area of your life! Hallelujah!
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your many promises. Father, today I accept Your truth which sets me free and protects me from the enemy. Almighty God, I declare by faith that no weapon formed against me shall ever prosper, therefore I will not fear what man will seek to do to me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
A new year is a time for making plans, setting goals, writing visions, making resolutions, getting a fresh start and having a new beginning. But, the best “new start” is through Jesus Christ, for the Bible says, “if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come.” (2 Cor 15:17)
Today, if you need a new beginning in any area of your life, allow Christ to make you a new creation, and the old will pass away! He will put a new and right spirit within you when you call on His name! This year, make your relationship with Him your number one priority. As you develop an intimacy with Him through daily prayer and the study of His Word, you will experience the joy of newness of life!
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10, ESV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, as I’m about to enter into a new year, I choose to make You my first priority. Father, please wipe the slate clean as I develop a deeper personal relationship with You. Thank You for renewing a right spirit in me and making me a new creation. God, I receive Your new beginning today as I walk with You, in Christ’ name! Amen.
We are all in need of inner peace. We look to relationships, addictions, money, gadgets and even religion to try to find something that will fill our void. But true peace isn’t found in anything this world has to offer, it can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only He can satisfy the longing in our souls and give us true, lasting peace.
Remember, God gives freely, not as the world gives. You can’t earn it, and you can’t pay for it. There’s no catch, no fine print and no strings attached. You can rest assured that He’s not ever going to take His peace away; His peace is eternal!
Today, begin your life of peace by inviting Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. Then as you align your thoughts, attitudes and actions with His Word, that peace will flood every area. Peace is how we know we are following God’s plan, because God’s plan always leads to peace! If you’re looking for peace today, call on His name. Make Him your Lord and Saviour, follow His Word and allow His peace to flood every area of your life.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of peace which passes all understanding. Father, I receive Your peace today, and trust that You are leading and guiding me in the way You want me to go. Thank You, in Christ’ name! Amen.
My inbox lately has been full of prayer requests for change and direction in the year to come. My belief is your future begins today. Today, I declare that a shift is starting in Jesus’ name! What do you need – a shift in your health, a shift in your finances, or a shift in a relationship? It may not look like anything is happening in the natural, but we serve a supernatural God. He’s about to move in your direction in a new way! Hallelujah!
The enemies you have seen in the past, you will see no more. The addictions or bad habits that have held you back in 2020 are being broken in Jesus’ name. God’s favour is being released in a new way that will propel you forward. What should have taken you 20 or 30 years to accomplish, God is going to do in a matter of minutes!
Today, I’ve got breaking news – ”your shift has been accelerated.” The shift means going beyond where you could go on your own. The shift is seeing Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond. Our attitude should be, “God, I’m ready. I’m taking the limits off of You. I’m enlarging my vision. I receive it. I may not see a way, but I know You have a way. I declare I’m coming into my shift today!” Hallelujah!
“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.” (Job 22:28, NKJV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I open my heart and mind to You. I ask You for a supernatural shift in my life today. Father, I claim and declare that a supernatural shift is coming my way. Change my health, my finances, my relationships, and my vision. God, I receive Your Word, I receive Your promises, I receive Your truth, and I receive the increase You have in store for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.
Faith gives substance to the things you hope for. In other words, faith brings things into your life. Notice the verse below starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. It’s faith for today, right now.
The basic definition of faith according to the Bible, is simply believing in God’s goodness, and believing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. It’s taking His Word as truth–right now. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, now? Do you believe He can provide for your need, now? Do you believe He can heal your relationship, now? Do you believe He can heal you, now?
Today, whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working for you, right now. Dare to believe that God will come through for you, today. Stand strong and declare that the victory is yours, right now! Let your words put action behind your “now” faith and receive His strength and power to see victory in every area of your life!
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I choose to believe that You are working on my behalf. Father, I trust that You have a good plan for me, and that You are leading and guiding my steps now. God, please help me stand strong in You, now, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
If you’ve never been in the habit of keeping a faith journal, you might think your meditative prayer and reading scripture has given you a strong spiritual life. But beginning your journaling journey can supplement your spiritual practices and make tangible much of the faith you’ve taken for granted. Staring a faith journal is a great way to track your daily prayers, the gratitude you feel for God’s gifts and offers new ways of exploring scripture. Take that leap of faith today.
1) Creative Prayer
A faith journal doesn’t have to be exclusively about writing. Color, shape and doodling – whatever takes your heart’s desire – can all have its place in your faith journal.
If your prayer is directed at someone special, it can feel exceptionally powerful to write their name and sketch a growing, colorful shape around it. Once their name appears on the page, glorified by color, you can write your prayer for them or simply think about it. But the prayer will have a physical manifestation that can strengthen it.
You can also sketch mandalas in a meditative way. These complex patterns of repeating shapes can be relaxing to sink into, and drawing and coloring them can become a form of prayer in itself. It’s your faith journal, so get creative!
2) Making Prayer Tangible
The time you spend in prayer each day forms a valuable foundation for your spiritual life and strengthens your connection with God. When this takes place in your mind it’s almost a meditative practice, and can often lead to a profound inner feeling.
Writing your prayers down can strengthen them further as the process of putting your thoughts into writing can make them more tangible. Through your faith journal you can pursue a closer connection to God, creating a concrete history of your prayers and devotion on any given day.
If you write in a stream-of-consciousness, letting the words flow out of you, you might be surprised at what you look down to read. New, deep ideas can turn up on the page without conscious effort. Alternatively, writing your prayers in bullet form can help you conceive of them more accurately and make them easier to review in the future.
3) Scripture Is Powerful On The Page
Strengthening your connection to scripture is a great way to explore your faith. We all have particular passages that speak to us, those that we come back to time and again to find peace in or contemplation amongst. Reading scripture is one thing, but journaling scripture can take your understanding of your favorite passages to another level.
Exploring the idea of a crossbook – a book that comes with printed scripture on one side of the page and a blank side opposite for your thoughts and notes – is a great way to begin your faith journal. You can underline and highlight the passages that speak to you on one side, while elaborating on how it deepens your devotion on the other. You’ll be on a path to wisdom and faith.
4) Track Your Holiest Behaviours
A faith journal can also function as a diary for all your holiest habits, letting you reflect on your past week or month and consider ways you can better manifest your faith in the future. You can record how many hours you spent volunteering, how your generosity manifested and how long you prayed for in your faith journal.
Having a record of these behaviours can make it easier to strengthen them as routine habits. All these practices have great spiritual value and your faith journal will encourage you to perform them more often.
5) Express Your Gratitude
There are many spiritual and psychological benefits to gratitude, yet if you don’t make an effort to express your gratitude it can often slip away without being recognized. Journaling gives you an example to record God’s gifts, ensuring that you value them for what they are.
Taking time out of each day to write down what God has brought you can make each day, no matter how hectic or stressful, seem a little brighter.
Amen
Keeping a faith journal has so many spiritual and psychological benefits and it’s sure to strengthen your relationship with God as well as developing a deeper understanding of his message. Get creative with your faith journal with colors, shapes and content. You’ll soon find out it’s a habit that’s hard to break.
Katherine Rundell is a spiritual writer at UKWritings.com and Academized.com services. She works with local church groups to inspire young people to explore their faith in new and creative ways. She is also a proofreader at Boomessays.com.
Now, more than ever, our lives seem out of control, with governments making decisions for our every move. Have you ever felt like things in your life are out of control? That happens when you allow circumstances to dictate your thoughts and attitudes. You might say, “well, the economy is wreaking havoc on my business.” Or, “this relationship is just too far gone, it’s not worth trying.” My message to you today is “this is the day to take your life back!”
Today’s verse tells us we must take control of every thought which is not a natural idea. We live in this natural realm, but as believers, we are not limited by this natural realm. We can tap into God’s supernatural power. But it starts by making every thought line up with the Word of God, and declaring I’m taking my life back in Jesus’ Name! Hallelujah!
Today, from the government to the church, nobody seems to know what to do, and this confusion sows seeds of fear. By faith today I say take your life back. You may ask how? By taking your thoughts back from secular natural agencies. Don’t allow the enemy to have access any longer. Instead, meditate on the Word of God daily, and allow His truth to sink down deep into your spirit. Let His truth set you free! Hallelujah!
“…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)
Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to live in victory. Father, today I choose to take my life back from the enemy and his agencies by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. God, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, starting now and throughout my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
In these uncertain times we can learn the attitude of the psalmist David. He was going through very tough uncertain times when he declared the words in today’s verse. He said in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness.” In other words, “this situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision or joy. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that in this crazy unpredictable year, I will see God’s favour unfold in my life.”
Today, remember what you focus on, is what will come to pass. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see God’s goodness unfold in your life!
Today, during this strange year, 2020, we must not forget our God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. He is the creator of the universe, and He holds you, your plans and your dreams in the palm of His hand. So you can be confident nothing is too difficult for Him! Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today!
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
(Psalm 27:13, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Father, I remain confident in Your power to control my life in these uncertain times. I will focus on You no matter what my circumstances may look like. God please give me Your peace as I keep my mind stayed on You in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Fear has gripped our world, our churches, our schools and our families. Fear robs relationship and fellowship. Fear is one of the enemy’s favourite tools to keep us from going forward. As soon as we make a decision to step out in faith, immediately, the enemy will bring fear to stop us. He’ll put negative doubting thoughts in our mind like, “What if I fail? What will others think? Maybe I don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and just stay right where we are. He is a liar!
Did you know the Bible says that fear is a spirit. It affects your emotions and can govern your feelings. But when you choose to put your trust in the Lord, no matter how you are feeling, you will combat fear. Hallelujah!
Today, do not allow fear to trap you and hold you back. Instead, take a step of faith knowing that God is on your side. He is for you and with you, leading and guiding you in the path of victory all the days of your life.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I’m trusting You. I have decided to press forward in faith, so I can overcome the negative spirit of fear. God, I trust that You have my best interests at heart, and I know that You are leading me in the paths of righteousness all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need–physically, spiritually or emotionally? God wants to give you provision. God desires for you to live in victory in every area of your life.
The Scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Thanks be to God.” In the Bible, when God’s people were going into battle, many times they sent the worshippers out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life.
Today, start by thanking Him for His goodness. Magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems. Give Him thanks and make way for victory!
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP)
Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I say thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Father, thank You for always leading and guiding me into victory! God, I receive my victory right now for this trial I’m going through. I celebrate and magnify You and bless Your holy name for my total deliverance, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
It’s been said, “tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage; but in reality, termites do more damage.” Most often, it’s not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it’s the small things. Most of the time, we’re not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare.
That’s what today’s scripture is saying. It’s the little inconveniences – like not being able to find your car keys, or being in a hurry and getting behind a slow driver. It’s the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.
Today, take note, it’s the way we handle the little things that will determine what kind of life we live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines as the scripture says. Make the decision today to “catch” those foxes by choosing to think on the positive things. Let His Word bring light and life to your emotions, so you can move forward in peace and joy each and every day!
“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I will focus on Your Word, and not allow the little foxes (the little things) to steal my joy and peace. God, keep me close to You and guide me through life’s frustration, and show me the way I should go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
We live in a world where not everyone is free. Freedom is based on race, gender or money. The good news is God’s freedom is not partial. The Word says, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” and God’s freedom is free for everyone! It doesn’t matter what your nationality, heritage or gender is, or what your family name is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have; God wants you free from everything that would hold you back from your relationship with Him!
Today, God wants to pour out His abundant blessing on all who honour Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians, that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means God’s not judging you based on physical conditions. He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the gifts He’s placed inside of you, and is offering you His freedom.
Today, don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways He is pouring out blessings in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance, love and freedom. Focus on honouring Him and doing what is right, and you will be free in mind, body and Spirit, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life! Hallelujah!
“…God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34—35, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for loving and accepting me and setting me free. Father, my desire is to do what pleases You, and honour You with my attitude, words and actions. Holy Spirit, show me if there is any area that isn’t pleasing to You, and help me eradicate it today. God, I want to live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
Talking about your faith with others isn’t always the most popular topic amongst young people. Fashion, football and music are more popular. Most youth are not excited when talking about faith. Feeling that if they share their faith with others, people at school, uni or on social media will think they’re weird. So they do what many Christians do, they stay quiet. Not speaking up when someone challenges their beliefs. Praying with your friend who’s parents are going through a divorce would really help, but you’re afraid of what your friend might think. The list of excuses we make for not sharing our faith can be very long.
Why is it that we talk about our sports team winning with everyone we know, but when it comes to sharing our faith, many times we tell no one? We have something way more exciting than a winning team, we have a winning God. We have a God who loved us, and gave his son so that we could experience a life changing relationship with Him. Why aren’t we filling our insta, snap and facebook feed with that news? It’s easy to get afraid to share our faith with others. It’s easier to not say anything so that we don’t look weird to others. We are called to be salt and light to our world. The message in the bible puts it this way. You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. — Matthew 5:14.
So choose to put your fears aside, step up and tell others about your God.
Let’s Holla @ God
God, please give me a Christlike excitement and remove my fear, so I can let others know that you have changed my life and to let them know that You can change theirs too. God make me a light for You. In Christ’ name Amen.
Talking to some of the youth at school yesterday, amidst their optimism, there also seems to be a lot of hopelessness. It’s time to set our hope on God so we are not easily swayed by the trials of life.
Setting our hope on God means we set our lives in the right direction. One translation of today’s verse says, “look forward to more and more of God’s favour.” God wants to pour out His goodness and grace on you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more and more of God’s favour. More and more of God’s hope. More and more of God’s grace. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant.
Today, meditate on the truth that God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians that He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favour. In other words, God wants to go above and beyond what we’re used to! He wants to show you favour in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes dynamically higher today, and increase your expectations of what God will do in your life!
“…set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favour) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.”
(1 Peter 1:13, AMP)
Pray With Me Yahweh, thank You for Your abundance in every area of my life today. Father, I will set my hope on You, knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. God, by faith I receive more of Your favour, grace and hope. God, teach me to be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
It’s a moment everyone
has dreamed of – the moment where everything fits together perfectly,
sparks fly, and everything seems to be going right between you and your new
official partner. The beginning of a romantic relationship can feel magical,
dreamy… But we have to admit, also pressurizing and stressful at times.
After all, no matter how
you got to this point, it’s the start of something new and unknown. It has
massive stakes, and we’re all at some point worried that we’ll mess it up. We
certainly don’t want to ruin things with Mr. or Mrs. Right.
Well, if you want to
feel much more assured that you’re starting things right with the love of your
life, here are some simple things you should take note of. Not only will these
help you make sure that both you and your partner are on the same page, but
they’ll also tell you if you’re ready to be in a relationship in the first
place. There’s not a moment to lose, so let’s dive straight into it.
History
belongs in the past
There’s no doubt you’ve
got an interesting history, especially if this is not your first relationship.
Your emotional travels have brought you far and wide, but it’s time to leave
the baggage behind. Carmelia Ray, a celebrity matchmaker, notes that in her
over 25 years of experience, the last thing singles want to hear about on a
first or second date is their partner’s past relationships.
In response to that, she
advises that you should keep focused on the now, getting to know the current
date more, and locking the ghosts of the pasts away for a later time. After
all, you want this relationship to be a chance to start afresh – and that means
keeping the past relationship fears, negative experiences and concerns away for
now. The same goes for your partner, so don’t pry either! It’s a can of worms
best opened when your relationship has become more mature.
The
more vulnerable, the better
Culture today insists on
being a strong and independent individual, but in a relationship, being
vulnerable is actually a good thing. According to Ray, opening up to your
partner helps to make your connection that much deeper and stronger, building
up a more solid bond.
It’s also a sign to show
your partner that you trust them, which can be very encouraging. After all,
successful relationships are built on mutual, shared trust that enables both
parties to do life together seamlessly. Without this trust, negative emotions
like fear, doubt, and resentment are more likely to breed.
Listening
goes a long way
As much as you love
sharing about your day with your partner, remember to take time to listen as
well. It’s not just hearing what they say, but being fully present when they
are sharing their thoughts and feelings. That way, you can respond
appropriately or have a meaningful discussion.
Moreover, it tells your
partner that they are loved, making them feel appreciated for who they are. It
cements their position in your life as someone you care about, and that can
help create trust, strengthening your relationship from the inside out.
Show,
not tell
It’s always comforting
to hear your partner talk about a future with you in it, such as making holiday
plans, talking about living with each other, or even achieving a long-term goal
together. It makes you feel like your relationship is a hundred percent a done
deal, and your partner is in for the long haul.
However, beware that
talk is just empty until there’s action. We’re not saying you have to wait for
your partner to actually fulfill all the promises, but rather, we’re asking you
to make sure that their actions are consistent with what they say they feel.
Have they introduced you to their best friends? Have they told their family
about you? Are they working towards being financially stable? These are markers
that show your partner actually means what he or she says, and are not making
empty promises.
Clingy
is not cute
Yes, you love your
partner and want to spend all day and all week with them. Especially in the
‘honeymoon’ period where a relationship is new, couples tend to spend a lot of
time with each other. Here, some jealousy can actually be considered quite
healthy, according to Ray. But if you’re constantly demanding for attention,
calling your partner, texting them, or guilt-tripping them when they spend time
away from you”¦ not so much.
The fact is that a needy
partner is stressful to handle and takes up a lot of time and energy that is
almost inhuman. It might even cause your partner to want to step back for
breathing space, which is not a good sign at the start of a potentially
lifelong relationship. As such, take it easy! You had it in you to be single
all the while leading up to this relationship, so resist the voice that tells
you that you can’t live life to the fullest when you’re by yourself.
Resumes
belong in the workplace
A big pet peeve for many
people? When their partners brag about themselves, according to Ray. It’s
understandable why many people feel the need to do it, as it boosts
self-esteem, and perhaps even fulfills the need to impress the partner.
Of course, achievements
are to be celebrated and acknowledged, but most of the time, bragging
incessantly has the effect of firstly, boring your partner and secondly, giving
off the impression that you’re a self-absorbed individual. You really don’t
have to state every single one of your accomplishments and awards, especially
if your partner has made it clear that they’re into you. Leave the list behind,
and instead, work towards having genuine and fun conversations.
Comparison
is toxic
If you find yourself
constantly comparing your current partner to other partners or other
relationships, you should put the brakes on that behavior. People are all
different, with different quirks, talents, and flaws. It’s the same with
relationships – every relationship has a different dynamic. As such,
comparing any of these won’t do you any good, and can instead bring you
down.
Especially in today’s
age of social media, it’s tempting to keep comparing your partner and your
relationship to those you see online. However, again, that is not beneficial to
anyone. In fact, no one is perfect, so you’re setting yourself up for
inevitable disappointment! Remember also that social media usually only shows
the good parts of a relationship, so don’t be disheartened if you hit a bump in
the road. It really is perfectly normal, and it’s a chance to grow individually
and as a couple, too.
Before you go and get
started, it’s good to note that these pointers are not so much a list of boxes
to check off. Rather, they are but a few topics you might want to bring up with
your new partner to make sure you’re both ready for the start of something new.
Additionally, this review on Her Aspiration will help you to learn more about your
potential partner. That way, you can have a fuss-free, smooth-sailing new
beginning of what could be the grandest adventure of your life.
The author of the book of James (credited to be Jesus’ half-brother) pens for us three ways towards better communication and relationships. In one simple and straightforward verse, Scriptures enlighten us on how to nurture fruitful communication and relationships. James chapter 1 verse 19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
1. Quick to Hear.
Here, we pose ourselves to listen first and allow the other person to air out his sentiments. In being quick to hear, the intent is to understand first and to form judgments last. In being quick to hear, one becomes open to the possibility that he might be wrong and sees the benefit in listening to what others have to say.
Conversations mostly lead to arguments and shouting matches when no one wants to listen and when both parties keep judging and reacting to statements rather than purposing to understand the cause and context of what’s being said. In being quick to hear, the goal is to discover what is true or to reach a compromise on something that is right and fair to both parties. Conversations fail when no one wants to consider the needs and wishes of another. Conversations never work when one simply wants his own way or when one is closed to other people‘s views. Needless to say, in order to be quick to hear, we must allow the Holy Spirit to rid us of pride and self-centeredness.To be quick to hear, we need to learn humility and to be more considerate and patient with others.
2. Slow to Speak.
Here, we pose ourselves to remain objective and tackle issues with our mind reigning over our emotions. It can be difficult to hold our tongue when there are hurtful or untrue words against us. But, it is more beneficial to delay speaking back until our mind gets a full hold and understanding of what is being communicated to us. In the heat of arguments, a lot of details get lost. Emotions overwhelm both parties and conversations often lead to blaming and rehashing old hurts. More rift is created and things end up farther from resolution.
In being slow to speak, the goal is to respond with words that bring understanding and clarity to the issues being tackled. To be slow to speak is to take account of the words we choose to use in order to deal with the matter at hand. To be slow to speak is to avoid sharing thoughts that have no relevance to the present matter. To be slow to speak is to maintain awareness and care that we don’t just react with hurtful and retaliatory words. To be slow to speak is to desire understanding to hopefully take place.
3. Slow to Become Angry.
Even with great care, consideration, and patience, not all discussions end well. Not all relational conflicts resolve in an instant, hence, the need to be slow to anger. Declare your views, explain your side. Make an effort to bring clarity. Seek to right any wrong on your part. What’s important is you’ve done what you could to communicate and resolve conflicts. Rightness needs no constant explaining or convincing. Let the matter go and choose to allow the other person to maintain his own view. Choose “not” to resent. In time, what is right and true will be made plain. And even if they don’t, at least you know then which relationships are good to keep and which are best to let go.
Also, there are times when it’s okay to end with opposing views. Not all people think alike and it’s okay. Don’t desire people to agree with you all the time. Don’t desire your own way all the time. Understand that you can’t always be right. Know that your ways are not always the best ways. Be mindful of this and you will experience growth in your communication and relationship skills.
