Knowledge without love (compassion, patience, kindness, integrity…) doesn’t usually go far in influencing others. Love matters! Above all, people need to know we care about them- defenses are lowered, walls come down, doors open, frowns turn to smiles and real communication begins.
Typically, we think that talking is the best way to influence others. We work hard to prove our points and push our agendas. But often it’s our ability to listen and sincerely care about what others are saying that has the greatest influence. Only then, by God’s grace we may have a platform to speak.
May God bless our relationships, and when times are tough, we can meditate on these beautiful words…
” If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails!”
-1 Corinthians 13
