When you are visiting with someone, have you ever wondered what exactly needs to be going on inside of you? After all, every person who comes to your attention is someone exceedingly precious to God. He does not take kindly to withholding from them something they need from you or, of course, outright mistreating them in some way. We come up against what the Bible calls God's wrath.
So we do well to plan in advance of any contact with another person who we want to be in their presence.
Here are some suggestions:
First, stay quiet. That is, maintain an inner, listening silence into which that other person can speak.
“To answer before listening” says Proverbs 18:13 “— that is folly and shame.” And again, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 29:20
Secondly, stay still. When you have given yourself to God and know that he is in charge of the flow of your day, then to “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) means we let him be in charge of that particular conversation or contact and keep our own inner commentary in check.
Thirdly, listen for anything that helps answer the question, “how can I help you care for this person, Lord? What would you have me say or do?” God’s answer can range from simply carrying on a casual conversation to suddenly receiving a thought he gives you that you are to pass on.
