Communication

Good Communication

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath..."

James 1:19

I pretty much do the opposite of this most of the time.  I usually half listen, interrupt to give my opinion and then try to prove my point when I don't really understand what the conversation is really intended to be about.

I would be much better at being 'swift to hear' if I practiced better listening skills.  Often I get distracted while someone is talking to me and I start preparing what I am going to say instead of really listening and focusing on their words.  I need to train myself to shift my attention back to the person talking when that happens.  If I need something that I don't understand clarified I should repeat what I have heard in my own words and ask them if I understand them correctly.  Lean forward, nod, don't interrupt and try to be non-judgmental.

I am pretty quick to talk.  I have a tendency to respond quickly.  Some comments need to be well thought out.  I know I have said plenty of things that I wish I could take back.  I need to learn to stop, take a breath while I think of my response. 

"Let your speech always be with grace..."  

Colossians 4:6 

Slow to wrath - yeah, I do the opposite of that a lot.  I take things personally pretty frequently.   

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" 

Proverbs 15:1

So many arguments could be avoided if everyone in my family practiced better communication.

Definitely something we all need to work on :)