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Building Bridges by Listening
Last Week:
This week we are talking about as a representative or ambassador of God’s kingdom.
How should we respond to people?
Building bridges starts with listening to the other person.
1. Live out your
8Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.—1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)
10For “Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.—1 Peter 3:10-12 (ESV); Reference to Psalm 34:12-16
13Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, —1 Peter 3:13-14 (ESV)
2. Honor Christ and be prepared to give an
15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
16having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.—1 Peter 3:15-17 (ESV)
3. You can’t give a wise answer if you are not
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.—Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.—Proverbs 18:2 (ESV)
If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.—Proverbs 18:13 (ESV)
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.—Proverbs 18:15 (ESV)
Next Week: Sharing the Good News