![The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview. [FILE PHOTOS | NEWS BULLETIN]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-6c7ed548-71b0-7773-e053-0100007fa4e2-7c177ffe.jpeg)
When a person tries to convey a message, words, tone of voice, and body language all help to convey that message. When all three parts of the message mesh, and the listener receives it as intended, a clear communication has been made.
If one of those parts is off, a mixed message is given, and there can be confusion on the part of the listener.
How do you respond when you experience a miscommunication? Do you ask questions to clarify if what you thought you heard was the intended message, or do you fly off the handle in a fit of anger or despair?
This is why the Letter of James in the Bible tells us to “be quick to listen.”
There is an old expression which strongly recommends taking a deep breath and counting to 10 before responding in anger. Taking a deep breath and counting to 10 helps to not respond inappropriately in a flash of anger. It allows for a brief moment to discern if your anger or hurt is justified, or if perhaps you misunderstood what was being said.
Your first response should not be, “How can I get even?” but rather, “How can we take this and make it better? How can we learn from this and grow from it? How can we grow stronger because of it?”
It is very easy to let emotions flare up quickly in the heat of a moment. But when you briefly hold your tongue and reflect on what is being said, you will be able to respond more clearly, more rationally, more appropriately.
I encourage you to keep your ears open, and your heart ready to hear the word of God and respond to God’s leading – especially when communicating with others.
When you look for the positive in any given situation, you will be able to look beyond yourself and discern what God would have you do, and how God would have you respond. You will allow God, and God’s word, to live in you and through you.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Take the listening command to heart