2:352 – Winning At All Costs

#faithbites #faithjourney #impeachment #knownlegacy Winning

On my way to work, I was listening to Known Legacy. They were talking about truly listening to each other. Having a cup of coffee and truly getting to know someone. The problem in society today is that we look at winning at the end all be all. We want to win at all costs in any debate. The other person is evil and their opinions are wrong. There are no shades of gray, there is no room for growth. On my way home today, I listened to the #impeachment debate. (And no, this isn’t a political statement or political blog). Almost all of the congressmen and women talked past each other. Hurled platitudes and language without true debate, without listening, without growth. Grandstanding.

Jesus ate with sinners and saints. He walked with those that society would cast off. He listened to them and helped them grow. If we want to love and have a peaceful society, we need to listen to each other. We don’t have to agree, but let’s learn from each other. You never know what you will find.

Scripture

• A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1
• Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – James 1:22

Reflection

We have all been in debates that have turned heated. We hear something we don’t like and pounce. Proverbs tells us that that will happen. Just like the congressmen and women fighting or us fighting with each other, a harsh word will stir up anger. We need to do what God tells us. We need to listen to his word and do what it says. That means, listen.

A friend of mine who is an atheist told me he loves listening to people’s religions and traditions. While he doesn’t believe in it, he finds it fascinating. We all have fascinating stories. If we approach the conversation not as an exercise in winning or learning, but in learning, we all win. Sure, we can walk away if we need too. But it’s how we approach the situation.

The Lord loves us and commands us to love. If we don’t know our neighbor, we can’t love them. Listening, rather than aiming to win, is the object.

Challenge

Have a conversation with someone without an agenda. Talk about what is interesting to you and them. Listen. Don’t think about a way to debate them, just listen and ask questions. We are all interesting people with interesting stories. God uses all of us, but we have to listen.

Prayer

Father God, our country is in hurting. We have forgotten how to listen and instead try to win at all costs. Plant the seed in us to listen first for growth, rather than trying to win. The only winning is in your love and salvation. Casting hateful words and trying to win is only dividing us. Give us your strength, so that we can grow, learn, and share your word. In your name, Amen.