Christian Business Tips

How To Handle Anger Effectively

March 7th, 2010

Anger is an outward emotion. Underneath, however, are always feelings of fear, hurt, helplessness, or guilt-or a combination of these. Since anger is a God-given emotion, it’s not necessarily bad. If handled properly, it can be used for good and to create change.

There are five possible ways of managing anger. I’ll tell you now, the first three can be very harmful and they don’t resolve the problem!

SUPPRESSION is when you pretend or deny that you are angry. Holding in your feelings of anger can actually even lead to health problems in addition to emotional struggles. Also, when you suppress your anger you are setting yourself up for a blow up.

OPEN AGGRESSION includes yelling, stomping, complaining, arguing, criticizing, blaming, throwing things and even physically harming someone else. Basically it’s a rude way of saying, “I want my own way!”

PASSIVE AGGRESSION is not outwardly aggressive but it is still a destructive way of handling anger. With passive aggression you basically shut down. You may also gossip or talk about people behind their back or sulk. Passive aggression is not healthy or effective because it avoids conflict, and therefore the source of the issue is never addressed or corrected.

ASSERTIVENESS is a healthy way to handle anger, and it’s how God would have us to deal with our anger. The person who is assertive will address the issue with others involved, but will do so constructively and respectfully rather than with open or passive aggression.

When you can use assertiveness properly you will be able to work towards solving your problems and issues that come up in your life. An assertive person can work well with others to communicate effectively and work together towards a suitable solution.

LETTING GO OF ANGER is what you must do when there is no other way to solve the problem and deal with your anger. You may have worked very hard towards a possible solution, but sometimes it is simply out of your control. When you let go of anger you accept the fact that you can’t change the situation, so you decide to move past it.

New events may cause old hurts and frustrations to resurface. Remind yourself of your choice to forgive and commit to the same choice with this new episode.

Ann Shorb is a counseling, writer, and speaker. Through her counseling ministry, CCES, she provides services for sexual addiction, premarital counseling and more.

Tags: anger, anger management, bible, christian, Christianity, God, godliness, handling anger, religion, religious
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3 Christian Secrets To Forgive Cheating Boyfriend – Restore Lost Trust With Cheating Boyfriend

February 21st, 2010

Are you a spiritual person struggling to find a way to forgive a cheating boyfriend?

I know exactly how you feel – I caught my cheating boyfriend 3 months before we were to be married and I was crushed! So I know the pain and utter misery you feel at this moment. I didn’t believe I could forgive a cheating boyfriend.

But I have some great news for you… and it’s this:

I was able to forgive my cheating boyfriend and the situation actually resulted in a better, more intense relationship for us. It was all because of God’s help. And the same can happen for you!

Out of a damaged relationship you can find healing and bring praise to God. In fact, I am going to reveal 3 simple tips that will help you experience this miracle in your life.

** MOVE PAST BLAME & CENTER ON UNDERSTANDING & CORRECTION

Don’t blow energy in putting guilt on your partner. That won’t help you forgive a cheating boyfriend. Realize that blame produces nothing and only makes the relationship even more difficult.

Understanding the cause is critical to working on a solution. Seek to understand the problems that led to the unfaithfulness rather than focusing on guilt and blame.

Healing begins when both parties work on correcting the underlying causes. Energy is best spent identifying the problem and then correcting it.

As a Christian, that’s the first step to forgive a cheating boyfriend.

** TRUST IS RESTORED IN TINY STEPS

Time is required to forgive a cheating boyfriend and develop trust. Both parties must have a readiness to work hard to slowly mend the immense damage that the infidelity has brought to the relationship.

If the unfaithful party is ready to earn it, God will rebuild trust slowly, one tiny step at a time. Trust isn’t given freely; it must be earned. And it is important to a solid, Christian relationship.

Each person must be ready to work at re-establishing trust, that’s the main point to get. You will not be able to forgive a cheating boyfriend immediately or without effort.

** GOD’S GREAT POWER WILL HELP YOU

We can do nothing, but all things are possible with God’s help. And that includes the ability to forgive a cheating boyfriend and re-establish a strong, God-centered relationship.

God also tells us to pray for each other. The prayers of an army of fellow Christians can do much more than praying alone.

I needed an army of people praying for me when I fought to forgive a cheating boyfriend. But I faced a dilemma. I was too embarrassed to talk about my personal life to others, even with close friends and my pastor. I simply couldn’t discuss it.

But I found a wonderful alternative!

I urge you to go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org right now, as I did. You can make a prayer request with total privacy and within minutes, thousands of prayer partners across the world will be praying just for you.

Can you imagine the incredible power of the combined voices and faiths of an army of faithful Christians turning their full attention on your need to forgive a cheating boyfriend? It will create a wonderful miracle (as it did for my relationship). God raised Jesus from the dead and that same heavenly power will restore your relationship.

You need God’s help… You must have a miracle. Visit www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org. Make your confidential prayer request. Expect YOUR miracle… because it WILL happen!

Worldwide Prayer Partners

If you don’t see a video in this article, take a moment and watch a short video on How To Forgive A Cheating Boyfriend. Just CLICK HERE.

Experience the spiritual comfort and peace found only through the prayer support of thousands of fellow Christians. Make your confidential prayer request in total privacy today at www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org.

Tags: cheating, christian, coping with infidelity, forgive a cheating girlfriend, forgive cheating boyfriend, forgive cheating girlfriend, forgive cheating husband, how to forgive cheating boyfriend, how to forgive cheating girlfriend, how to forgive cheating husband
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Can You Forgive Cheating Husband? – Yes! 3 Spiritual Principles Restores Relationship With Cheating Husband

February 19th, 2010

You’re a faithful Christian female. But you’re facing a difficult situation. Can you find a way to forgive a cheating husband?

I know exactly how you feel – I caught my cheating husband 3 months before we were to be married and I was devastated! So I know the pain and utter misery you feel at this moment. I didn’t believe I could forgive a cheating husband.

But I have some incredible news for you… and it’s this:

God helped me to forgive my cheating husband and the experience actually brought about a better, closer relationship for us. And the same can happen for you!

You can restore your fractured relationship and bring glory to God. In fact I am going to reveal 3 simple principles that will help.

** UNDERSTANDING & CORRECTION NEEDS TO SUBSTITUTE ACCUSATIONS

Accusing your partner will solve nothing. You’ll never forgive a cheating husband by spending time and energy on the futile actions such as blame.

Instead of blaming, try to understand the underlying causes that led to the infidelity. Confronting the cause is vital to working towards a resolution.

The process of healing can begin only when each person is willing to work on correcting the root causes. Pinpointing the issues and then correcting the issues is where energy and effort must be focused.

As a Christian, that’s the first step to forgive a cheating husband.

** TRUST IS REBUILT IN TINY STEPS

Time is needed to forgive a cheating husband and develop trust. Each person needs to have a willingness to work very hard to slowly mend the great damage that the infidelity has brought to the relationship.

If the unfaithful party is prepared to earn it, God will restore trust slowly, one tiny step at a time. Trust isn’t given freely; it must be deserved. And it is important to a solid, Christian relationship.

Hard effort is needed to restore trust, that’s the main point to get. Even a Christian woman cannot forgive a cheating husband immediately or without effort.

** GOD’S GREAT POWER WILL HELP YOU

We can do nothing, but all things are possible with God’s help. And that includes the power to forgive a cheating husband and re-establish a strong, God-centered relationship.

We are also instructed to lean upon fellow Christians. The prayers of many Christians can do much more than praying by yourself.

I needed a lot of people praying for my situation when I struggled to forgive a cheating husband. But I confronted a quandary. I was too embarrassed to detail my pain to others, especially close friends and my minister. I just couldn’t discuss it.

Luckily, there’s a wonderful alternative!

I urge you to go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org right now, as I did. You can submit a prayer request with complete privacy and within moments, thousands of prayer partners across the world will be praying just for you.

Your yearning to forgive a cheating husband will be the focus of the combined voices and faiths of many fellow Christians. And that will make a divine miracle (as it did for my relationship). The same force of God that raised Jesus from the dead will restore your relationship.

You need God’s help… You need a miracle. Go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org. Submit your confidential prayer request. Expect YOUR miracle… because it WILL happen!

Worldwide Prayer Partners

If you don’t see a video in this article, take a moment and watch a short video on How To Forgive A Cheating Husband. Just CLICK HERE.

categories: coping with infidelity,forgive cheating husband,forgive cheating boyfriend,forgive cheating girlfriend,forgive a cheating girlfriend,how to forgive cheating girlfriend,how to forgive cheating boyfriend,how to forgive cheating husband,cheating

Can You Forgive Cheating Wife? – Yes! 3 Spiritual Tips Restores Relationship With Cheating Wife

February 19th, 2010

You’re a believing Christian woman. But you’re facing a difficult situation. Can you discover a way to forgive a cheating wife?

I know precisely how you feel – I was crushed when I caught my wife cheating just 3 months before we were to be married! The pain and utter despair you live at this moment is precisely what I felt. I didn’t believe I could forgive a cheating wife.

But I have some amazing news for you… and it’s this:

Believe it or not, the experience actually brought about a better, more intense relationship for us. With God’s help we were able to rebuild our relationship. And the same can happen for you!

In fact, I want to share 3 simple principles that can help you restore your broken relationship and bring honor to God.

** MOVE BEYOND BLAME & CONCENTRATE ON UNDERSTANDING & CORRECTION

The first step is to realize that blame solves nothing. The wasted energy used to blame won’t help you forgive a cheating wife.

Instead of blaming, seek to understand the underlying causes that led to the infidelity. Knowing the cause is necessary to working towards a resolution.

Healing starts when both parties take action on correcting the underlying causes. Energy is best spent addressing the problem and then correcting it.

If you want to forgive a cheating wife, this is a crucial Christian step.

** RE-ESTABLISHING TRUST IS ACCOMPLISHED IN SMALL STEPS

Know that time is required to forgive a cheating wife and re-establish trust. The relationship has been badly injured and both persons must be willing to work on healing.

God will restore trust slowly, one small step at a time, if the wayward party is prepared to earn it. Trust is earned; it isn’t given freely. And it is vital to a solid, spiritual relationship.

The main point here is that both parties must be prepared to work at rebuilding trust. The ability to forgive a cheating wife will not occur immediately or without effort.

** GOD’S DIVINE POWER WILL HELP YOU

We can do nothing, but all things are possible with God’s help. And that includes the ability to forgive a cheating wife and re-establish a strong, God-centered relationship.

God also commands us to pray for each other. The prayers of Godly men and women can bring about much more than praying by yourself.

How could I detail the hurt I was living? I was too embarrassed to talk about my situation to others, especially close friends and my pastor. I just couldn’t talk about it. When I fought to forgive a cheating wife, this became a big quandary.

Fortunately, there’s a wonderful alternative!

Take advantage of fellow Christian prayer partners around the world praying just for you. I urge you to go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org right now, as I did. You can submit a prayer request with complete privacy.

Can you imagine the power of the combined voices and faiths of an army of devoted Christians focused on your need to forgive a cheating wife? It will create a wonderful miracle (as it did for my relationship). God raised Jesus from the dead and that same power will restore your relationship.

You need God’s help… You must have a miracle. Visit www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org and submit your prayer request. Expect YOUR miracle… because it WILL happen!

Worldwide Prayer Partners

If you don’t see a video in this article, take a moment and watch a short video on How To Forgive A Cheating Wife. Just CLICK HERE.

3 Spiritual Principles To Forgive Cheating Girlfriend – Restore Lost Trust With Cheating Girlfriend

February 18th, 2010

You’re a faithful Christian female. But you’re facing a difficult situation. Can you find a way to forgive a cheating girlfriend?

I found out about my cheating girlfriend 3 months before we were to be married and I was a wreck! I know exactly what you’re facing. I’ve endured the trauma and utter despair you feel at this moment. I did not feel I could forgive a cheating girlfriend.

But I have some incredible news for you… and it’s this:

Believe it or not, the experience actually produced a better, more intense relationship for us. With God’s help we were able to re-establish our relationship. And the same can happen for you!

You can heal your broken relationship and bring praise to God. In fact I am going to disclose 3 simple principles that can help.

** UNDERSTANDING & CORRECTION MUST SUBSTITUTE FAULT

The first step is to understand that blame solves nothing. The wasted energy used to blame won’t help you forgive a cheating girlfriend.

Do you know the problems that led to the infidelity? Understanding the underlying reason is crucial to working towards a solution.

The process of healing can begin only when both parties work on correcting the underlying issues. Addressing the issues and then fixing the issues is where energy and effort should be focused.

As a Christian, that’s a critical step to forgive a cheating girlfriend.

** TRUST IS REGAINED IN SMALL STEPS

To forgive a cheating girlfriend and develop trust, it will take time. Both parties must acknowledge the damage done and be willing to work towards healing.

God will restore trust slowly, one small step at a time, if the guilty party is willing to earn it. Trust is earned; it isn’t given freely. And it is vital to a solid, spiritual relationship.

Hard effort is required to restore trust, that’s the critical point to realize. Even a Godly female cannot forgive a cheating girlfriend instantly or without effort.

** LEAN UPON GOD’S DIVINE POWER

We can do nothing, but all things are possible with God’s help. And that includes the power to forgive a cheating girlfriend and develop a strong, God-centered relationship.

We are also instructed to lean upon each other. The prayers of fellow Christians can accomplish much more than praying by yourself.

When I struggled to forgive a cheating girlfriend I needed many people praying for me. I was embarrassed to detail my pain to anyone, especially close friends and my minister. I simply couldn’t speak about it.

But I discovered a perfect alternative!

I urge you to go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org right now, as I did. You can make a prayer request with total privacy and within minutes, thousands of prayer partners around the world will be praying just for you.

Your longing to forgive a cheating girlfriend will receive the center of the combined voices and faiths of many fellow Christians. And that will create a wonderful miracle (as it did for my relationship). The same force of God that raised Jesus from the dead will rebuild your relationship.

You need God’s help… You need a miracle. Go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org, make your prayer request and expect YOUR miracle… because it WILL happen!

Worldwide Prayer Partners

If you don’t see a video in this article, take a moment and watch a short video on How To Forgive A Cheating Girlfriend. Just CLICK HERE.

How To Forgive A Cheating Spouse – 3 Christian Principles Restores Trust With Cheating Spouse

February 18th, 2010

Are you a Christian? Do you want to forgive a cheating spouse? Are you battling this difficult situation?

I understand exactly how you feel – I was devastated when I discovered my spouse cheating just 3 months before we were to be married! The shock and utter devastation you live at this moment is exactly what I experienced. I didn’t think I could forgive a cheating spouse.

But I have some exciting news for you… and it’s this:

God helped me to forgive my cheating spouse and the incident actually brought about a better, closer relationship for us. And the same can happen for you!

You can rebuild your broken relationship and bring praise to God. In fact I want to reveal 3 simple secrets that can help.

** TRANSFORM GUILT INTO UNDERSTANDING & CORRECTION

The first step is to understand that blame solves nothing. The wasted energy used to blame won’t help you forgive a cheating spouse.

Knowing the underlying reason is vital to working on a resolution. Seek to understand the problems that led to the infidelity rather than wasting energy on guilt and blame.

The process of healing can begin only when each person is willing to work on correcting the underlying issues. Addressing the issues and then fixing the issues is where time and effort must be focused.

As a Christian, that’s the first step to forgive a cheating spouse.

** TRUST IS REBUILT IN LITTLE STEPS

To forgive a cheating spouse and restore trust, it will take time. Each party must acknowledge the damage done and be willing to work towards healing.

God will restore trust slowly, one small step at a time, if the guilty party is willing to earn it. Trust is earned; it isn’t given freely. And it is important to a solid, spiritual relationship.

Each person must be prepared to work at restoring trust, that’s the primary point to understand. You will not be able to forgive a cheating spouse immediately or without effort.

** LEAN UPON GOD’S DIVINE POWER

All things are possible with God’s help; we can do nothing by ourselves. You must have God’s divine help to forgive a cheating spouse and develop a strong God-centered relationship.

We are also instructed to lean upon fellow Christians. The prayers of numerous Christians can do much more than praying by yourself.

How could I express the agony I was feeling? I was too embarrassed to talk about my situation to other people, especially close friends and my minister. I simply could not talk about it. When I fought to forgive a cheating spouse, this became a huge dilemma.

But I discovered a wonderful alternative!

At www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org you can make a prayer request with absolute privacy. Within moments, thousands of prayer partners around the globe will be praying just for you.

The combined voices and faiths of so many fellow Christians focused on your request to forgive a cheating spouse will create a wonderful miracle (as it did for my relationship). God raised Jesus from the dead and that same power will rebuild your relationship.

You need God’s help… You need a miracle. Go to www.WorldwidePrayerPartners.org, send your prayer request and expect YOUR miracle… because it WILL happen!

Worldwide Prayer Partners

If you don’t see a video in this article, take a moment and watch a short video on How To Forgive A Cheating Spouse. Just CLICK HERE.

Preparing for Your First Holy Communion Party. A Guide to Make the Celebration Easier

February 13th, 2010

The first Holy Communion is performed after the child gets baptized by the priest. A holy communion signifies the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ and is generally conducted at the tender age of seven. This is a religious ceremony that is performed in the church and emphasizes the fact that the child is old enough to take part in the proceedings of the church.

When parents come home after the church services, it is a tradition to throw a small party for their child. Since the first Holy Communion is conducted when the child is young the theme for the party should combine elements for both the adults and the kids. There are plenty of party ideas that can be taken from the online first communion party supplies stores, especially if you have no idea how to go about organizing such event.

Firstly you need to send out the invitations to the guests. You can either go in for formal invites inviting the guests to attend the celebration of your child’s first Holy Communion, mentioning the date, time and venue. If you like being creative, you can make the cards decorative by adding ribbons or a photograph of your child in the front of the first communion invitations.

If you plan on having a theme party, then you have a lot of options available to you. Older kids love Sesame Street, especially Big Bird. In the case of boys, you can either choose from Bob the Builder or any other theme that has cars or construction in it. Younger kids love Dora the Explorer and would be too happy to have her as the party theme for their first communion. You might also find more themes in many of the first communion party supplies websites.

Generally the communion ceremony is performed during morning hours or after the church services. In other words, the communion will end right in time for a brunch party. A brunch is a great way to satisfy the appetite of your guests. You can organize for a simple brunch consisting of bacons, eggs, fruits, pastries and of course the cake.

Kids and adults both love to get first communion favors, that can further be divide into gifts for adults and kids. Depending on the theme that you have set for the party, favors can be given out to the kids. You might even include a few treats for the kids to enjoy. Adults can be given candles, small religious themed bookmarks and other items.

You might also want to surprise your child by gifting them something memorable for the occasion. The ideal gift for them would be their first communion medals which they can proudly show off to their friends. You can even find these medals in different designs and colors with little inscriptions written on them.

By following the above guidelines and tips, your first Holy Communion party is sure to become a hit amongst both the adults and the kids. Little girls along with their white gowns can be adorned with their first communion jewelery, making them look like little angels. You can even take the help of your elders or friends who have experience on how to go about organizing such events, so as not to miss out on important aspects of this special occasion.

Prepare for your 1st Communion party with all the essential 1st Communion party supplies from firstcommunionsupplies.com.

categories: first communion supplies,1st holy communion,party supplies,religious supplies,religion,catholic,kids

Tags: 1st holy communion, catholic, first communion supplies, kids, party supplies, religion, religious supplies
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Significance of the First Holy Communion

February 13th, 2010

The First Holy Communion is a religious occasion that is important to Christian families throughout the world. This signifies that the child is old enough to participate in the services of the church. Such traditions are generally accompanied by family gatherings and occasions. Girls are dressed with a veil and beautiful white gowns along with their first communion jewelery that symbolize purity, whereas the guys are dressed in black suits.

Generally these occasions are followed by a small party given by the child’s family. Preparations for such occasions need to be done well in advance. The invitations need to be sent out specifying the location, time and date of the communion after getting it approved by the priest. There are a number of online stores that help you in choosing the layout and wordings of the first communion invitations. Creating such invites is also fun since you can make the card unique by attaching photos, graphics, ribbons and other accessories to the cards.

Now, depending on your budget and the list of guests, your venue can be selected. Some people may prefer lavish parties arranged at hotels or rent houses, whereas some would prefer in their homes or backyards. You might also want to add a feel to the party by decorating the venue with bright and vibrant colors.

Decoration ideas and tips can be looked up from a number of first communion party supplies stores. Red balloons can be tied up in odd numbers and hung on the walls or ceilings. Cracked ice roses along with ivy and red bud garland can be hung on the door. To give it a more flowery look, you can even include floral accents to the dcor.

Thinking what snack or food to offer to the guests? There are a lot of options you can choose from. You can either go in for buffet services or order light snacks like chips, cookies, pastries etc. the food tables can be given a sophisticated look by covering them with white cloths and having candlesticks or rose bouquets placed in vases. You might not want to forget the cake of your child’s first communion.

Guests can be thanked by sending them home with first communion favors that can consist of bibles, rosaries, jars and much more. Kids can be given frosted candy boxes with baked treats, along with personalized candles. There are many stores that offer such services at affordable prices. In addition to this, you can choose from a number of items.

Your child should not be left out; after all it’s their first holy communion. To make it more special for your children you can gift them unique and beautiful items that they will cherish forever. Guys can be given medals or their own mass book, whereas the girls can be given first communion jewelery with a unique design or stone.

The First Holy Communion is not only about parties and dresses, but is a significant event where the child realizes the sacrifices made by Christ. Every child needs to first receive baptism without which this ceremony cannot be performed. Moreover he/she is also required to make their first confession. Like the first communion invitations, gifts and other accessories can also have wordings or logo that will make it all the more special.

With essential 1st Communion Supplies from firstcommunionsupplies.com, you can begin preparations for the special day by sending out First Communion Party Invitations.

categories: first communion supplies,1st holy communion,party supplies,invitations,invites,religious supplies,religion,catholic,kids

Tags: 1st holy communion, catholic, first communion supplies, invitations, invites, kids, party supplies, religion, religious supplies
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When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers

February 11th, 2010

After graduating college, my husband Tim and I served as missionaries in Africa for a few years. Many times throughout my life I have reflected back to the experiences I had and the lessons that I learned during the time we were there.

Tim and I had some friends who were also working as missionaries and we had a trip planned to visit with them. Where we lived and in those days a trip like this was a major undertaking. We had never made the drive and there were no road signs or traffic lights to help us find the way. No gas stations to fuel up or to get directions if we missed a turn.

The car was loaded with our belongings, enough gasoline for the trip there and back, lunches, snacks, and lots of items that we were transporting to the friends we were to visit. But less than an hour from home, the car began to sputter and spit, and just refused to run right.

Tim looked at the engine and tried a few things to see if it would help, but with no success. We stopped to pray and ask for God’s help to get the car fixed and to help us make the rest of the trip. When it became clear that the car wasn’t going to cooperate, we turned around and headed home. I was sad and confused as to why God didn’t answer our prayer so the trip would go on.

After returning home we had a mechanic check out the car. He was amazed at what he found and he told us we were lucky to be alive! The gas line was leaking right down into the engine and he couldn’t believe that the engine hadn’t exploded already. If we had made the rest of the trip, tragedy would have almost certainly happened.

We were stunned! God knew what our need was even though we didn’t. He answered our prayer by making it impossible for us to continue our trip successfully, and by giving us the wisdom to turn around and head home. How thankful we were for His goodness!

Thank you, Father, that Your knowledge is so vast that it sees beyond the surface to the core of our deepest needs. Your wisdom never ceases to amaze me!

Following several years as a missionary, Dr. Ann Shorb began a career in counseling and is the founder of CCES in Hanover, PA. She provides a variety of services including Christian premarital counseling and help with help with overcoming sexual addiction.

categories: prayer,god,god’s love,god’s protection,christianity,religion,bible,christian,religious

Tags: bible, christian, Christianity, God, god's love, god's protection, prayer, religion, religious
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Show You Care By Listening

February 10th, 2010

You’ve heard the saying, “Talking is sharing. Listening is caring,” haven’t you? I saw it on a sign in front of a church a couple of years ago, and it caught my eye. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen it again several times. I’m not sure who first said it, but it really is true.

In a past devotional I shared an event that happened to me that week, and how I found God’s thoughts toward me to be such a comfort. I have to confess, I wasn’t prepared for the response I got. Most of my close friends contacted me to express their concern for me, and to reassure me of their prayers. A few even said, “If you need to talk about it, give me a call.” (That’s supposed to be my line since I’m the counselor!)

The fact that these people were willing to take the time to write an encouraging note, or even to call, meant so much to me. It should me that they were listening and that they cared about me. Those facts were obvious and it had a big impact on how I was feeling.

Our lives are crazy, always going straight from one thing to the next with little time to think or relax in between. In these busy times in which we live, many of us are not as committed to listening as we should be. It’s easy for us to be like this, but making some changes in our habits can make a big impact for others.

Listening says, “I value you. You are important to me. I’m concerned about what you are sharing because it’s important to you.” Yes, listening deepens relationships, builds trust, and affirms the other person. It’s a way of showing God’s love to those around us.

Throughout the Gospels, we see the Lord Jesus listening to people and their needs. In John 3, Jesus listened to Nicodemus, a prominent and righteous, Jewish leader who questioned Him about His teachings and His miracles.

In the book of John we read about Jesus listing to “the woman at the well” She was a shamed and sinful woman that he encountered at the well. Other religious leaders would have never thought to give her any attention, but Jesus did. None of the things that mattered to other leaders of that time (such as gender, religion, status, profession, etc.) stopped Jesus from listening to someone. He demonstrated an amazing model for us to follow.

Thank you, dear friends, for your care and concern. I want to let you know that my unpleasant event was resolved as well as it could be, and there has been reconciliation. Thanks for caring! Thanks for listening!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful people that You place in my life. Thank You for using them as Your representatives of love and compassion toward me. Please help me to be as thoughtful of others as they have been to me.

Ann Shorb is a counselor and the founder of CCES in Hanover, PA. They provide a variety of services including premarital counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling and much more.

Tags: bible, christian, Christianity, friends, friendship, god's love, Jesus, listening, love, relationships, religion, spirituality
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