This is the 4th of 4 devotions with the theme
"Love Is Not Rude”
INTERRUPTING
by
Rebecca Cooley
(Adapted from James 1:19; 1 Corinthians 13:5)
“Let every man be quick to hear, a ready listener,
and slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”
An important aspect of the love walk is to be careful not to interrupt someone when they are speaking. This includes finishing someone’s sentence for them and answering for another person.
Many times interruptions are the results of little spurts of anger or offense. I don’t agree with what is being said so I interrupt with anger, resentment or offense. Other times, it is just selfishness and self centeredness that tells the person what I have to say is more important than what you are saying and you need to be quiet and listen. Even if there is a disagreement that I am attempting to work out, I still need to honor this instruction from the Word and not interrupt or cut someone off that is speaking.
Recently I had an issue with another person. It involved a subtle accusation and it involved my daughter. I knew the exact truth and I knew what the person was saying was wrong and I strongly felt to bring truth and correction over the issue. As I started talking, this person would not listen. She more than interrupted me, she spoke over me and wouldn’t let me even finish a sentence. She dominated the conversation that I started. After about two minutes of this exchange, I got quiet. I let her talk and although it was difficult to listen, I listened. Although I didn’t get to finish expressing my thoughts, I did avoid any more conflict. I would rather be looked at in the wrong than violate the principles of the Word of God.
Father, I know that I have not arrived or even come close to perfecting this principle in my life. But I do give you permission to work Sabbath rest in my heart and train me to be calm in your presence always, whether under distress or attack. I know that I can walk in a place with you where I choose to obey and listen to your voice and walk in peace and calm no matter the situation or circumstances. Thank you for your faithfulness in teaching me your way.
© LoveWalkPublishing
Devotion Authored by RebeccaAnnCooley
All Rights Reserved
I REST IN YOU
Devotion: Interrupting
(Adapted from James 1:19; 1 Corinthians 13:5)
Verse 1
There is a Sabbath rest for the people of God
There is a place of calm in the presence of God
Where we can hear his voice and make a choice to obey
It is a residence where we can stay
Chorus
I rest in you, I rest in you,
I cease from striving, I cease from trying
I rest in you, I rest in you
There is a Sabbath rest for me in you
Bridge
I am quick to hear and slow to speak
I have ears to hear, I’m listening, I’m listening
© LoveWalkPublishing
WordAndMusic by Kent Clifford Cooley
Devotion by RebeccaAnnCooley
All Rights Reserved
This is the impartation devotion.
Father, I am learning that rudeness,
like so many other violations of love,
is a product of pride.
I develop the mind set of Romans 12:10
and I think of others as more important than myself
so that it will come naturally for me to speak to others
with respect and not with rudeness.
Jesus you humbled Yourself, even to the death of the cross.
I declare that You are Lord, not just with my lips
but by choosing the mindset of humility
and respect for others.
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