Connection Fundamentals Basic Skills for Effective Relationships

JAMES 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

CONNECTION FUNDAMENTALS 1.Quick to Listen

ISAIAH 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

WILLIAM STRINGFELLOW “Listening is a rare happening among human beings. You cannot listen to the word another is speaking if you are preoccupied with your appearance, or with impressing the other, or are trying to decide what you are going to say when the other stops talking, or are debating about whether what is being said is true or relevant or agreeable. Such matters have their place, but only after listening to the words as the words are being uttered.”

CONNECTION FUNDAMENTALS 1.Quick to Listen 2.Slow to Speak

SLOW TO SPEAK: SUGGESTIONS FROM JOHN ORTBERG 1.Sometime while you’re talking, stop and ask yourself if you’re talking too much. 2.Practice not interrupting. See how long you can go without doing it. 3.Ask yourself… “Why am I talking too much?”

CONNECTION FUNDAMENTALS 1.Quick to Listen 2.Slow to Speak 3.Slow to React

PROVERBS 29:11 (LIVING BIBLE) A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and cools it.

COMMON REASONS FOR ANGRY REACTIONS: 1.Fragile self-esteem 2.Unresolved conflict, hurts, and wounds (protection) 3.Stress and tension max capacity) 4.Fear of being attacked or hurt or vulnerable or weak 5.Plain old sin (self-centeredness)

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

HOW DO I GROW IN THIS?

JAMES 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

HOW DO I GROW IN THIS? 1.Throw off the JUNK (moral filth) 2.Step into HUMILITY (give control to Jesus) 3.Root your heart in TRUTH (word of God) James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.