“Can I speak to someone who speaks English, Please?”

“Be compassionate to foreigners without complaining.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Ok.

Maybe you haven’t asked that, but you’ve thought it.

Frustrated, I sit trying to understand the conversation I’m having with someone who fails to speak my language.

I bet you’re thinking that I’m talking to the phone company.

And at first, yes, that came to mind with an 🙋‍♀️ I’m sorry, Lord.

But then, it occurred to me,

that different nationalities aren’t the only confusing and frustrating conversations we have-

Most often, sadly enough, they are taking place in our homes and churches.

Am I the only one who realizes we aren’t all alike?

Didn’t think so.

And while it is definitely important to be able to understand what someone on the other end of the conversation is saying,

I may do well to learn what God wants to show me in the whirlwind of words,

And that…

Is to be compassionate.

Maybe, just maybe, I come off foreign to some people.

Ok, lots of people.

But I’m a work in progress, I tell myself.

And it’s true.

Compassion then, should extend to others who are trying to learn the Universal language as well.

I was raised speaking English.

Much like I was raised speaking “Christianese” as some call it.

But what about those new to the land I Love?

I’m swapping to the Spiritual side now.

What about new converts to the land of the Free in Christ Jesus.

They are working with Him as well.

What I see here, is my lack of patience, which is a first fruit of Love.

It’s not that I lack it,

We’ve been fully equipped with the Fruit Seed of the Spirit.

It’s that my selfishness supersedes at the moment-

when I don’t think I have time to listen, and meet the person where they are.

Be compassionate, God says.

So, I’m taking this to heart today, not just in my phone or utility bill conversations,

But in all my conversations.

Our Universal language is Love.

God, help me not only communicate compassion, but be a receiver of it as well.

Let your Love minister Grace to those who hear me wherever you may lead me to speak today,

And be patient with those who may not speak clearly, yet.