Looking back at the last study on Sunday, what Jesus was saying in James really gave me some good insight. James 1:19, "be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger". I think it is important that we all take the time to listen before we speak. I have found that in very important situations this is a good verse to remember. I know that in the many conversations I have had with non-believers, the one thing they want is to be heard. If you genuinely lend them your ear and let them know you are there with them, they will be much quicker to share thoughts, anxieties, and past experiences that have haunted them.
I actually had the opportunity about a week ago to talk to a girl I work with. She grew up as a Jehova's Witness and she told me a while back that she had dedicated her life to Christ. Now we were having a conversation about some experiences she has had with the Occult. In this situation it was so important to listen, because sharing experiences like this can be very hard for a person. After letting her share her stories, I then shared a few experiences of my own and how I dealt with them. However, in speaking with her, she had told me that she really didn't think she was saved. I continued to listen to things she was wrestling with in the Faith and I did my best to explain these things and help her understand exactly what it is to be a follower of Christ.
Although the conversation did not end the way I had hoped, she still felt very unstable in her understanding of the Christian faith, she knows that she can come to me with questions about things and that I will be quick to lend an ear, and slow to speak.
I would like everyone to pray for her. Her name is Alicia. Please pray that the Spirit would guide her understanding of the Scripture and help her to step away from her past judgements and to step forth and ask questions.
