Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Don't Talk... Just Listen!

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Romans 12:14-16 (NLT)

Why is it that we as Christians and church leaders feel the need to provide the answer for every issue?  We often view those who are hurting, discouraged, weak or sick as lesser in the things of God.  Oh, how we err!

The Bible assures us that to everything there is a season.  This includes a season to mourn, or cry.  People of God, it's okay to have emotions.  It's okay to get angry or sad from time to time, as long as it doesn't fester and result in sin.

As leaders in the church, we need to learn to LISTEN and be slow to speak.  Not every situation needs a "prophetic word" to fix it.  Sometimes, people just need a listening ear and your prayers.  They certainly don't, in many cases, need a sermon that condemns them for feeling very natural feelings about a heavy situation.

We need to be a bit more sensitive.  I've seen people lose loved ones and get rebuked for the tears.  I've witnessed people being diagnosed with terminal illnesses and being prophesied to with the expectation that their countenance should change.  Really?

Let's remember, Jesus was a miracle worker when He walked the earth, yet He still had compassion on the people.  And He too had a moment of weeping.  I wonder what "word" we would have given Him...

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

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