A thought exercise…

To speak or not to speak. I could say that is the question but let James speak a little from ch1 v19.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” (ESV)

Notice the double-point.

1) Slow to speak

2) Quick to listen

What do you do when a family member or a dear loved friend is struggling?

Do you say a word?

Do you just listen?

I found myself in this situation whether I should continue to talk or just stop and listen. Was the other party really interested in what I have to say – was it helping or causing more grief because of perception that I don’t know what the person is going through? Even if I have been through some or most of similar things in life previously.

Could I really relate so that it is not patronizing?

Can I help encourage hope?

Or should I just shut my mouth and maybe only maybe ask very kind questions if really needed?

Relationships are tough to navigate when you are in them or if you are “outside looking in”.

What’s the truth in the situation?

And where are they really hurting?

And who does the help really come from anyway?

Comments suggested and welcomed if you have any.