Listening Instead of Talking
The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him. (Acts 11:1-2)
Conflict is an inevitable and unavoidable part of life. There is no way you can live on this planet and not face conflict. It’s just not possible. Believe it or not, there is actually a positive side to conflict.
I firmly believe that the Lord uses conflict to sanctify us and make us more like His Son. When we are in uncomfortable, tense, or hurtful situations, we have the opportunity for the Spirit to work in and through us so that we can become more Christlike.
Conflict allows you to practice listening instead of talking. In today’s Scripture passage, Simon Peter allowed them to say what they wanted to say to him. He allowed them to criticize him and share what was upsetting them.
Many of us never resolve conflict because we don't know what the issues are. If we are going to settle a conflict, we need to listen and not talk. I know that is easier said than done. Maybe, that is the reason why God gave us two ears and only one tongue. God wants us to do twice as much listening as talking.
God cares how we respond. Conflict gives us a chance to practice not only using our heads instead of our emotions, but it gives us a chance to listen instead of talking. We don't always need to immediately say what we think. We need to find out what is happening with the other person. Why are they saying what they are saying? Sometimes, we just need to pray a brief prayer to say, “Lord, help me to zip it!” God will let you experience His power when you choose to listen instead of talking.
Conflict is an inevitable and unavoidable part of life. There is no way you can live on this planet and not face conflict. It’s just not possible. Believe it or not, there is actually a positive side to conflict.
I firmly believe that the Lord uses conflict to sanctify us and make us more like His Son. When we are in uncomfortable, tense, or hurtful situations, we have the opportunity for the Spirit to work in and through us so that we can become more Christlike.
Conflict allows you to practice listening instead of talking. In today’s Scripture passage, Simon Peter allowed them to say what they wanted to say to him. He allowed them to criticize him and share what was upsetting them.
Many of us never resolve conflict because we don't know what the issues are. If we are going to settle a conflict, we need to listen and not talk. I know that is easier said than done. Maybe, that is the reason why God gave us two ears and only one tongue. God wants us to do twice as much listening as talking.
God cares how we respond. Conflict gives us a chance to practice not only using our heads instead of our emotions, but it gives us a chance to listen instead of talking. We don't always need to immediately say what we think. We need to find out what is happening with the other person. Why are they saying what they are saying? Sometimes, we just need to pray a brief prayer to say, “Lord, help me to zip it!” God will let you experience His power when you choose to listen instead of talking.
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3 Comments
I ask daily to guide my steps my tongue and my thoughts
I need to ask God to guard.my tongue each day before I say anything out loud. I need to be more conscious of what I say before I say anything
God help Me to listen and think, not speak ! For speaking often leads to sorrow.