On Fridays at college we have a practical subject, It’s called Ministry and Mission. It’s the subject that ive been reading The Trellis and the Vine for.

This morning we had a couple of lectures on communication. We have been thinking about how we can communicate the best as ministers. Thinking specifically about communicating while we are doing stuff like preaching, but also while we are doing personal pastoral work.

This pastoral work can take many different forms, just like my crying post from yesterday, ministers can be involved with people who are experiencing Joy over something that has happened to them. Ministers can also encounter people who are heartbroken because of something that has happened to them.

While listening to our lecturer, I was struck by this passage from Proverbs 18:13.

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

It speaks about a concept that I think is really simple to understand, before you give your opinion to someone, you should listen to them first.

I can think of many times that I have forgotten this, and launched into voicing my opinion while ignoring how the person actually feels, or thinks.

Ive been reminded this morning about the need for me to listen before I speak. I hope that this might of reminded you too.