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- Oct 26, 2007
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A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse! Proverbs 27:14 NLT
Messages are more than words. Consider the question “Are you serious?”
If spoken loudly while the speaker jumped up and down with wide eyes and a gleeful expression, we’d probably know it expressed excitement over some unbelievable good fortune.
If the same question were uttered with a sneer and single raised eyebrow, we’d know the speaker was passive-aggressively suggesting that what was being asked of them was unacceptable.
The tone with which we communicate can easily change the meaning of what we say. So can the timing. Poorly timed requests are likely to be refused. Verbal corrections are unhelpful if what is needed is a hug first. And morning people who shout their greetings before the rest of us have had our coffee are likely to be met with cold replies.
As we share the message of God’s love with the world, we need to make sure our words are spoken with the correct one and the proper timing. In fact, the message might not need words at all.
If you notice your neighbor hasn’t had time to do their yard work lately, mow their lawn. If a coworker is having car trouble, offer to give them a ride. When your message of love is genuine and fits the needs of the listener, there will be no confusing the message.
Prayer: Father, help me communicate Your love clearly today and everyday.
Messages are more than words. Consider the question “Are you serious?”
If spoken loudly while the speaker jumped up and down with wide eyes and a gleeful expression, we’d probably know it expressed excitement over some unbelievable good fortune.
If the same question were uttered with a sneer and single raised eyebrow, we’d know the speaker was passive-aggressively suggesting that what was being asked of them was unacceptable.
The tone with which we communicate can easily change the meaning of what we say. So can the timing. Poorly timed requests are likely to be refused. Verbal corrections are unhelpful if what is needed is a hug first. And morning people who shout their greetings before the rest of us have had our coffee are likely to be met with cold replies.
As we share the message of God’s love with the world, we need to make sure our words are spoken with the correct one and the proper timing. In fact, the message might not need words at all.
If you notice your neighbor hasn’t had time to do their yard work lately, mow their lawn. If a coworker is having car trouble, offer to give them a ride. When your message of love is genuine and fits the needs of the listener, there will be no confusing the message.
Prayer: Father, help me communicate Your love clearly today and everyday.
