Here’s the first thing to do when we hear, ‘We need to talk.’
By Dean Collins
We need to talk.
Usually when someone says these words there has been a failure to meet expectations. Whatever the past looked like needs to change now. There has been more than one breach of trust or failure to meet expectations. These words may come in a friendship or a marriage, and often in a business relationship. And when you hear this phrase, someone also needs to listen.
Listen!
Seven short letters recorded in the second and third chapters of Revelation, each delivered by an angel to one of seven churches named there, don’t use the phrase “We need to talk.” But they do mention listening. Each ends with this phrase: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Each of the seven letters acknowledges things the church does well and/or recognizes the mistakes or failures to obey Christ. If these letters had been written recently they likely would have all started with, “We need to talk.”
In the context of a human relationship, there is almost always failure on two sides and not one. Since no human is perfect, there aren’t many relationships where one person is always right and the other always wrong. There might be percentage differences, I guess, but knowing who is more right or less right usually isn’t very helpful. What is helpful is knowing what and how we need to change our behaviors or attitudes so there is satisfaction in the relationship by both parties.
Change!
In the context of our relationship with our Father in Heaven, it’s different. He is all-knowing, always present, and completely loving. But when we look at ourselves, even though we may have blind spots about some of our weaknesses and failures, I think we can all admit we aren’t without faults.
In the context of these seven letters to the churches, John’s vision describes a better way, a corrective path. The angel points out the mistakes and tells each church what they must do differently. If they listen and follow through, then every one of them has a reward that is recovered. In other words, it isn’t too late for change.
In the work context, a “we need to talk” conversation goes best with an “I need to listen” attitude. Often these conversations give us a specific time frame for improvement but also awareness that failure to change has consequences.
In the spiritual realm, our Heavenly Father never gives up on us or stops loving us. And the time frame of correction is whatever time we have left on this side of eternity. Scripture teaches us that God is patient, not wanting anyone to fail or lose their reward. He desires a relationship with everyone.
Discover!
If we slow down long enough to be still in the presence of our Father in Heaven, we can hear not an angry tone but a loving and patient Savior whisper the words, “We need to talk.” And if we will listen to his Spirit, read his Word, and talk with a mature Christ follower, we can change and discover all of the joy and life that comes with knowing an almighty God.
Maybe this week after Christmas is the perfect time to slow down and listen for what God might be whispering to us. Yes, we need to talk with our loving Father in Heaven, but maybe the best thing we can do is simply listen for his gentle words of correction and encouragement as we end this year and anticipate what God has in store for us in the coming year.
He who has an ear let him hear the voice of a coming Savior.
Your time with God’s Word
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5-6, 12-13, 21-22 ESV
Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
