Frankly Speaking
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19,20
These words of wisdom from the book of James should be read everyday by everyone who calls themselves a Christian. They are a reminder of the standard of behavior that is required of us who bear the name of our Savior. Many of us have become so entrenched in a world that lacks respect, kindness or any resemblance of decorum that we have become just like the ones we are trying to reach. How can we possibly expect people to listen to us if we are not willing to show them any respect? This is a good statement, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." In other words, why should they listen if they perceive you don't really care about them or what they think. We have been given a great commission to go into the world and make disciples but in order to accomplish that we must first show those in the world that we care about them. Respect doesn't mean you have to agree with someone, it just means that you are willing to care enough to listen to them. Trust me, if you become a good listener, you will in turn be heard. Choose your words wisely, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and you will find favor- both with God and with man.
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. James 2:8
Pastor Frank Dodson
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19,20
These words of wisdom from the book of James should be read everyday by everyone who calls themselves a Christian. They are a reminder of the standard of behavior that is required of us who bear the name of our Savior. Many of us have become so entrenched in a world that lacks respect, kindness or any resemblance of decorum that we have become just like the ones we are trying to reach. How can we possibly expect people to listen to us if we are not willing to show them any respect? This is a good statement, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." In other words, why should they listen if they perceive you don't really care about them or what they think. We have been given a great commission to go into the world and make disciples but in order to accomplish that we must first show those in the world that we care about them. Respect doesn't mean you have to agree with someone, it just means that you are willing to care enough to listen to them. Trust me, if you become a good listener, you will in turn be heard. Choose your words wisely, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and you will find favor- both with God and with man.
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. James 2:8
Pastor Frank Dodson
RSS Feed