Monday, February 24, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Romans 15

“Communication is important!” 

Every close friend I have has probably heard me say that phrase more than a few times. Of course I think communication is important—I’m a writer. I’m also a Christ follower, and the Bible has an abundance of verses on the importance of words and what we say. 

Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Don’t we all want our words to be good, helpful, encouraging, and life-giving? But if you’ve tried to live that out, you know it’s easier said than done. No matter how hard we try, it seems like we end up saying the wrong thing—or even when we think we’ve said it right, people take it the wrong way.

So how do we actually live this out?

Life-giving communication starts with empathy and understanding. In my line of work, I’ve had to communicate on challenging topics, with people who were frustrated, angry, and hurt. At times, I’ve had to deliver hard or painful information. The secret to handling those conversations well is making the effort to understand where the other person is coming from, and to understand yourself. (Have you ever tried to argue with someone who lacks self-awareness? It’s not fun.)

This week’s bottom line is: See the temperament to strengthen the connection.

Admittedly, you’re not always going to know the temperament of the one you’re speaking to—but in your closest relationships, it can be a helpful tool. 

When you take the time to see how your wiring shapes what you say and what it’s like to be on the receiving end of your words, it helps you protect those around you—especially the ones you love the most.

When you take the time to learn how those around you are wired, it demonstrates a level of care and understanding that, in my opinion, is one of the greatest examples of love we can give to others.

And when we demonstrate that kind of care to others, sometimes we get to help them see a little bit of Jesus’ love through us.

Questions: 
What is your wiring? How have you seen it impact the way you communicate?

Think of a challenging relationship or a conversation that didn’t go the way you wanted—what was their wiring? Where might you both have misunderstood each other?

Next Steps:
Take some time to explore your temperament’s characteristics and how you see them reflected in your communication. If there’s a relationship you want to improve in your life, look into their temperament’s characteristics as well. 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, words can bring death or life. Thank you for the gift of communication—for the way we’re able to encourage others and the way you speak through us at times. Forgive me for the times my words have been less than healthy or helpful. God, please open my eyes to the way I’m wired, and to the wirings of those around me. May your will be done in me and through me. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

This post was written by Payton Lechner, a Perrysburg attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.