Sometimes Saying Nothing

But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise. Mark 15:5

When Jesus was before Pilate, He answered some questions, but He did not give a speech, defending himself.

He didn’t dive into a tirade, justifying His actions.

Jesus knew what He needed to do, and said only what was necessary.

Do you talk too much? Often defend your honorable intentions?

Sometimes we do. Talk too much.

For example with children, we explain ourselves WAY too often. Yes, offer an appropriate explanation, but you never need to defend yourself as a parent.

Why? Because you are the parent. And your child is not. They are the child.

Glad we are on the same page now.

Children enjoy trapping adults into arguments. Children are pros at arguing and whining.

Some regularly win when they keep going, grating on parent’s nerves.

You know you can stop that, right?

Tell the child no. Your only words offered for their benefit will be “because I said so”.

Repeat yourself when they keep asking why.

Then put a stop to their tantrums. Walk away.

While interacting with children is only one example, we sometimes talk too much in other areas.

Work, phone calls, emails, social media, the list goes on and on.

Sometimes saying less is more. Better. In fact, superior.

Let’s practice quiet authority. Not saying every thought that pops into our brain.

Think things through before uttering a word, asking God to help you speak His words of life.

Or, not to speak them…. yet.

Photos by Ilyass SEDDOUG,  Ben Wicks, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Loving Your Spouse

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

Communication is fundamental to any relationship.

Not only communicating, but listening to the other person.

Really listening.

Not half listening while also paying attention to your phone.

Not listening just to let them vent, then forgetting all of it and moving on.

Real communication is when two people come to an understanding that things need to and must change.

One voices a need.

The other listens and tries their best to understand that need.

While talking and listening are definitely important, the next step is the most.

Changing.

Actually doing the thing talked about.

That’s when your spouse knows you were actually listening.

And not nodding just to keep the other content with listening.

Action speaks louder than words.

Don’t just tell your spouse you love them, show them.

Don’t just nod your head in agreement, do the thing you agreed upon.

Don’t just give lip service to undone promises, actually do them.

Show your love in a big way.

A noticing way.

A personal way.

You know what to do.

Aren’t they more than worth it?

I know two people who have recently both lost their own precious spouse to heaven.

They’d admonish you to shower your spouse with love, not stopping.

Ever.

They wish they still could.

But you can.

So do it.

Photos by Ryan Franco on UnsplashKelly Sikkema, & Kiwihug on Unsplash

Listening

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Proverbs 4:20

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How are you listening to God?

Are you even listening?

Or are you talking to God, demanding what you wish to be…?

We all have plans in our head of how we wish life to unfold.

We all have ideas of where we’d like to go in this one life.

Ever think about what you pray for?

Do you spend most of your time asking God for things?

Showing Him your laundry list?

How much time do you spend praising Who He is?

Reminding yourself of the absolute awe you should feel?

Or listening?

How much time do you spend silent, listening to His whispers to your heart?

In life, the rule is to listen more than you speak.

How about in prayer?

We should listen more than we speak.

Listen to the heart of God.

Yes, ask Him for His provision, protection, and peace.

But devote most of your prayer to listening.

If you’re too busy talking, you might even miss your answer.

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