Title

Speak Clearly and Listen Carefully

Scripture
You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.
(Ezekiel 2:7)
Devotional
It is a difficult task to speak to those who refuse to hear: whether they are our children, students, employees or parishioners. I'm not one hundred percent sure of the reason why we are often called to speak to people who will not hear, but am inclined to believe that when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ none will be able to say, "No one told me." My prayer is that we not be those who refused to hear. Therefore let us have ears that lean toward being obedient. Let our inclination be toward not only hearing, but also listening openly and honestly. Likewise, if we are called to be the ones speaking, let us do so as if we are speaking the very oracles of God.[2] And let us speak with compassion, doing our very best to communicate clearly and directly. Let us always be prepared, studying to show ourselves approved to God, rightly dividing the word of truth.[3]