relationships

Good morning!

Most of us would like to have better relationships. It could be with others, with ourselves or with God. Why do we want this? Because relationships have many benefits. We were made to live in community and to connect with others. We are not thriving when we are in isolation. Although I get refueled by being alone (the basic introvert concept) I really love connections!

I was pondering the verse in the Bible from James 1:19

We should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.

How much more wonderful our relationships would be if we did this! We are so anxious to be heard and to get our point across that we miss out on the relationship we could develop through listening and pausing.

Craig Groeschel talks about habits and how the difference between “trying” and “training” can change your mindset. I want to implement training in my ability and willingness to listen and not feel the need to say anything. We have to intentionally train and not just try to do better.

Picture yourself in scenarios where you usually get riled up or anxious to talk. Now picture yourself listening and then reiterating back what you heard the other person say…..and maybe you will make your point after that or maybe not! But, you will make the other person feel heard AND you will actually hear them because you will be more focused on what they are saying over what you want to say!

This applies to our relationship with the Lord too. Do we slow down enough to listen or are we trying to read all the devotions, listen to all the podcasts or videos or sermons but never listening to just God and connecting with Him?  Last year I found myself trying to keep up with so many devotionals and books that I would sometimes think “hey, did I even talk to God yet?” lol. It sounds so obvious but I think we all get caught up in clutter at times and sometimes we have to remind ourselves to get back to the basics.

Be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to get angry.

Let’s train ourselves and pay attention for the relationships to grow closer!