September 19, 2025 Newsletter
FROM THE MINISTER’S STUDY
Speak as you would be spoken to, hear as you wish to be listened to.
There are many ways to communicate, but when it goes in circles or one way, we end up in a bad place. There is also positive communication and negative communication, or just reacting before thinking as exemplified in these scriptures:
Proverbs 18:21: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
James 1:19: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
The scary thing is that words matter and when spoken directly to whomsoever it is directed can do damage, and distorted stories passed on from person to person do even more damage. At least when you speak directly to the person with whom you have an issue, there is the chance for hearing and responding, and even a possibility of understanding, or clearing up misunderstanding. Not so when we feel negative about something and choose to tell everyone else. Of course then nothing gets resolved. No one is communicating. No one is listening. But the damage created by indirect communication is like a death. It kills our trust, our respect, our love, as things continue to go unresolved. Ultimately, it does not lead to life.
On the other hand, direct communication is great as long as you do not speak in anger, in the moment, and reacting instead of listening. Consider what the other has to say as being more important than your anger, because if you take the time to truly listen, you may be surprised to learn that you misunderstood the whole situation - or at least you can develop understanding of the reasons and actions of that person. Without respect, empathy and patience, we cannot resolve anything.
We are all prone to get angry or frustrated over even the smallest of things, but I assure you, if we talk to each other out of a place of love and respect, and we actively listen to each other, though we may not always succeed in resolving all differences, at least we can find some level of reconciliation. Above all, speak instead words to each other that lead to life.
In Christ, Rev. Glenn
