Communicate Like Jesus (1/3)
Mar 27, 2023
3 Simple Ways to Communicate Like Jesus. Part 1
There are a lot of different ways that we can communicate like Jesus.
But here are 3 communication lessons we can learn from Jesus' example in Luke 7:36-50.
To see the full passage, scroll to the bottom.
In this passage, Jesus recognizes that a Pharisee, named Simon, had an attitude of superiority toward both Jesus and a woman known for her lifestyle of sin.
Get Permission to Speak into the Lives of Others.
Before Jesus confronted Simon's poor attitude, He gained permission to speak into the situation and Simon's life. In verse 40, Jesus chose to let Simon know that He had something to say, but waited to be invited to speak.
And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher." Luke 7:40 ESV
One of the most effective ways to communicate with those who might disagree with us is to gain permission to speak.
It can be really easy to see a truth that needs to be communicated and rush into correcting someone in a conversation.
People will be much more willing to listen to you when they know that you have listened to them and that you honor them enough to gain their permission to speak into their lives and situations.
I use this in practice in every coaching relationship I have. In every introductory coaching session, I ask permission to coach my client. I do this because I want everyone who is in a coaching relationship with me to know that I value them and I honor the fact that if they do not grant me permission to speak into their lives and ask the tough questions that they won't ask themselves, our coaching partnership will not be a productive one.
Gaining permission to interject in the lives of others grants you authority as someone who respects the dignity and value of individuals more than you want to hear yourself speak.
In Action
Start practicing the habit of asking questions like:
- May I offer some advice?
- Would it be ok if I shared an experience from my life that might give some insight?
- Do you mind if I provided a different perspective?
Soliciting permission from those you wish to influence will often equip you to enter tough conversations without as many barriers.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." 40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher." 41 "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:36-50 ESV)
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
