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b'How many times have you misread a text or an email? Now, let\\u2019s flip it: how many times have you had a message misinterpreted? Maybe you took your friend\\u2019s sarcasm literally, or\\u2014in a hurry to get the message out\\u2014you typed the wrong date in an important text.\\nAs Christians, we\\u2019re called to represent God and His love in every part of our lives, even day-to-day communication. The Bible is full of wisdom about our words and our communication with each other.\\nThe first wise step in good communication: slow down! Time after time in the Bible, we read that a quick remark, comment, or decision made without thinking often leads to regret. Putting this advice into practice might mean reading over that text before you press \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153send\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d or thinking about the effect of a small comment.\\nSecond: listen. Listen to the whole story or request before doing anything else. Make sure you aren\\u2019t missing any information and that you understand the message before sending off a reply. Don\\u2019t be afraid to ask follow-up questions for clarity.\\nThird: think about the tone of your message. Is it respectful and polite, building others up, or does it tear them down? And, if the communication is digital, think about if you would be comfortable saying the same thing to them in person.\\nEven in our fast-paced world, talking face-to-face is often the best, clearest way to communicate, because we hear voice tone cues and see facial expressions. Whether you\\u2019re communicating digitally or in person, remember God made us to live in community with others, honoring Him and each other by loving others through our communication. \\u2022 Abby Ciona\\n\\u2022 When have you had a message misinterpreted or misinterpreted someone else\\u2019s words? \\n\\u2022 How can slowing down and focusing on connecting at a personal level help you avoid miscommunication? \\nMy dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19 (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nMatthew 6:9-13; Psalm 145:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18'