During pre-marital counseling, one topic I share with the couple is communication. When people have a conversation, there are four levels of communication:
- What I said.
- What you heard.
- What I meant.
- What you think I meant.
Whenever there is a disconnect between those level, there may be miscommunication. Sometimes that miscommunication happens between the pastor and congregation during a sermon.
When I preach, I often have the same thought as Paul to the church in Thessaloniki, “And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:10). Last Sunday I preached on doing works of mercy, and tried to present ways we can do more, however I neglected to give praise for what the congregation already does. Church, you, in fact, do love all the brothers throughout Sacramento and Elk Grove. Just to name a few of the many things I know you all do, I have seen the meals you have delivered. I have seen the work you do at the apartment complex. I know you give money to those in need. More importantly, Jesus has seen it because you have in fact done these works of mercy to him. Good job church! Only with that said, should I then urge you to do so more and more.
Today I am grateful to God who desires a relationship with us, and makes that relationship grow with the Word that is true, loving, and clear.
©2010 Paul Tillman
