It’s Because Good Communication Takes Twice as Much Listening as Talking
Miscommunication happens too often but doesn’t have to if we weren’t so quick to jump to conclusions.
Our Pastor told a story about visiting a lady in the hospital who had had a stroke and was unable to speak. She kept pointing at something, but he was having trouble understanding. She was getting frustrated and kept pointing. He kept turning around and going to different things trying to figure out what she was pointing at.
This went on for a while until he realized that she was pointing at him…his zipper was down.
Then they both had a good laugh.
Even in the middle of this difficult situation they were able to share a good laugh.
There are more than 7000 different languages around the world. The one word that is most universally understood among all of those different languages is the word “huh?”.
This is what Pastor Lee kept asking the lady in the hospital.
Not asking enough questions and listening, really listening, to the answers is where communication begins to break down. We presume we know what the other person is going to say before they even open their mouth.
I believe this is why God gave us two ears and one mouth. We need to listen twice as much as we talk if we’re going to understand others.
In Acts 2:1-21, Jesus’ followers were all together when a noise like a mighty wind came from heaven. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking in whatever language the Spirt led them.
There were many different people from different countries in Jerusalem at that time. When they heard this commotion, a crowd began to gather, and they were surprised because they were all hearing everything in their own language.
Communication can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be if we are just willing to listen.
The Holy Spirit can help us communicate better, but we must be open and accept the help. The Holy Spirit will help us to see clearer, understand better, and give us ideas for sharing God’s love (Acts 2:17).
13-year-old Abraham Olagbegi needed a bone marrow transplant due to a rare blood disorder. He decided to use the Make-A Wish gift he received to help others rather than getting a gaming console or taking a trip somewhere. He wanted to use it to help feed the homeless.
Abraham’s Table planned to provide meals once a month for a year to homeless people in Jackson, Mississippi. Abraham’s mom always says, “It’s a blessing to be a blessing.” This was a big undertaking for a 13-year-old but, the Holy Spirit gives us thoughts and ideas that God wants us to do. It’s up to us to do it.
When you come up against a big mountain, you need to remember you have a big God.
Listen to the Holy Spirit. Listen to others. Ask questions. Communicate clearly through your words and your actions.