Message Recap
You have ever had one of those, “I wish I could take that back” moments? Chances are we’ve all said or done things in our relationships that we regret or wish we could “do-over.” So, where does that come from and what’s the way forward? How can we become people that are “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” when it seems like everything within us is compelling us to do the exact opposite?
Guiding Verses
James 1:19-21
19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
Proverbs 16:24
24 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Discussion Questions
- Let’s play “telephone pictionary!” (video instructions here)
- When/Where is it easy to be mis-understood?
- What are things that stifle healthy communication?
- When was a time someone listened well to you, and how did that make you feel?
- Which of the James 1 “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” encouragements do you struggle with?
Moving Forward
Here’s the deal… we all struggle with communication and left to our own will-power, we will fail time and time again. God’s has given us the gift of His Holy Spirit, to bring about the change in us that we could never accomplish by ourselves. As you close read Galatians 5:13-26 and pray for the Holy Spirit to work in and through your lives to empower you to be all that He as created you to be, a reflection of His love and grace.
To learn more about the Art of Relationships series, including how to join or host an Art of Relationships Series Group click here.