Belong 201: Effective Communication

MONDAY

This week we will be studying the use of emotional word pictures in the Bible. An emotional word picture is a communication method that uses either a story or an object to help people understand and feel what’s being communicated. An example of an emotional word picture would be the cross! Think of the cross! What does the cross personally mean to you? Read Isaiah 53:5-6. What was the deepest, darkest sin you’ve entertained prior to knowing the Lord? What did that sin do to the Servant of the Lord? Have you ever been pierced, punctured or cut by a sharp object? Describe, in detail, how it felt. Does this give you a better understand of the Lord’s pain? Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? Describe, in detail, how you felt. Read Isaiah 53:5-6 again. Did the Man of the cross suffer for a crime He did not do? Who is to blame? Are you moved by this emotional word picture of the Suffering Messiah? Get down on your knees and thank God for His saving grace! Write Isaiah 53:5-6 down on an index card and memorize it. Let the emotional word picture of the cross positively affect not only your life, but also your relationship with your family, friends, coworkers, strangers and yes, even your enemies!

TUESDAY

Read Luke 18:9-14. How do you feel about this Pharisee? Why? Describe your feelings towards the tax collector. Why do you feel this why about him? What is this emotional word picture teaching us? How does God feel when we dishonor (put less value on) others? What type of attitude must we possess? How does this attitude promote loving relationships with those around us? Does this emotional word picture help you understand (and feel) what God feels when we dishonor others? How did it help you? Have you been proud in heart? Have you been “looking down” on others? If so, humble yourself like the tax collector and pray to the Lord for mercy! The Lord will forgive you! Write James 4:6 down on a card and memorize it. Call a brother or a sister today and tell them how much you love them! If you live with your family, tell them how much you love them!

WEDNESDAY

Read Matthew 18:21-35. Read verses 23-27: What is the equivalent of ten thousand talents in modern dollars? Is that a lot of money? Are you impressed by this king’s actions in verses 26-27? Why? Who does this king represent? Read verses 29-31: Describe your feelings towards this servant beating up the fellow servant. Are you upset about this man? Why? Read verses 32-35. What happened to this merciless servant? What is this emotional word picture teaching you? How does God feel when you act out of anger and disrespect towards others? Who does the ten thousand talent debtor represent? Who does the one hundred denari debtor represent? How can this help you to be more forgiving? Write Mark 11:25 down on an index card and memorize it! Have you hurt someone recently? Seek their forgiveness today! Have you been hurt recently? Seek reconciliation and be ready to forgive! In either case, use emotional word pictures to help communicate your thoughts and emotions! They are very effective! Pray for effectiveness!

THURSDAY

Hebrews 1:14 says we are encamped by ministering angels! This is very encouraging to know! This is one of many indications of the love God has for us! Read Matthew 18:10-14. What kind of devotion does this man have for his sheep? Does he have equal concern for each and every one or was his love partial? What would he do for one lost sheep? Who does this man represent? Who are the sheep? How does God feel about each one of us? How does this relate to you? What insight does this emotional word picture teach you? Do you show a genuine concern for God’s people? Are you building a loving relationship with them or are you destroying the apple of God’s eye? How do you respond to His sheep’s needs? Write John 13:34 down on an index card and memorize it! Be a relationship builder not a destroyer!!

FRIDAY

Read 2 Sam. 11:1-12:13. God was very effective in getting David to see his moral blindness. Of course, He used emotional word pictures to do it! Describe David’s emotions towards the man who killed the poor man’s ewe lamb. Why did he feel this way? Who was the rich man? How did David feel now? Effective, huh? Whether you are praising someone, clarifying an issue, expressing a desire for intimacy or correcting someone, use meaningful emotional picture words to express your thoughts! They are helpful in communicating your thoughts and feelings!

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