Knowing Hearts, Evotion.

The Irregular Daily Dose

Work Day Devotions That Work

Knowing Hearts

Matthew 9: 4: And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts"

An old friend reminded me this morning of an ancient saying, "And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!"

Every day we get that opportunity. What happens when you withhold? What happens when you are hiding intents by not speaking? What happens if the other withholds? When you want to believe in a relationship, you speak. Jesus wanted a good relationship with these even though they seemed against Him.

Yesterday I had a string of meetings that were all about messages and words. Lawyers debated disclosure language. Marketing executives debated targeting right segments. Sales executives debated response words in emails for prospects. MBA students debated areas of impact on our business plan. IT executives debated what to fix and when. Consultants quizzed me. All of it was words. What was really in their hearts?

Some did not like my chosen words. Others softly considered them. A few hotly resisted them. Many took on joy and surprise and excitement. The lawyers wanted a few days to debate them (duh!). A couple of friends cried with deep emotion. Through all of that, I had to sort my own responses and emotions.

Words are powerful. They communicate disgust, joy, relief, confidence, confusion, peace, and trust. Not expressing them can communicate distrust or assent or anger or fear or apathy. The problem in not speaking them is that the other person has to make up in their mind what you think and feel. You may not agree but they may think you do. You may agree, but they don’t know. That leaves the relationship in confusion.

Silence often communicates assent. I worked in a company once where that was stated meeting policy. We were not expected to speak, we were required to speak. Silence can communicate a lot of other positions. Know which you want to communicate and get it out.

The ability to respectfully disagree is one of the most sacred expressions of trust. When we can disagree, we trust the goodwill of the others involved. Open discussion and disclosure brings clarity. You might lose a friend for a moment, but if their heart is right and you prove true and reliable, they will be back with more trust later. Jesus confronted their silence. He wanted disclosure and communication.

Due season is when the word is needed. Leaving them unsaid too long can result in not having another moment to express them to an open ear.

Seize the day. Build some trust. Express yourself. Emote. Clarify. Trust the goodwill of others. Use wisdom. Use words. Trust is built on open communication agreement and disagreement.

ACT! 　Sometimes the right thing means confronting. Unlike Jesus, we can’t see into the hearts of others. Don’t assume, ask. Don’t presuppose, open the communication so they have a change to speak back. Prime the pump.

PRAY! Father, looking to clarify when a relationship is at stake can be frightening. Help me. Help my friend, Evotion. Help us to speak our minds to find the hearts of others. Embrace our words with love and truth and mercy. Let them hang as pearls about our neck to bring grace and favor with You and others. Let the meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouth be acceptable in Your sight. Let them be true and just.

 

 
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