Speaking Others' Language

A new commandment I give to you, that you love on another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34 ESV)

Jesus meets people where they are time and time again through the use of parables (short stories used to illustrate a spiritual lesson). His message is received because it was delivered in the language of the hearer. By meeting people where they were, He related the message to the hearers’ world. For example, if he happened to be with fishermen, He would talk about casting a net. Yet at another time with carpenters, He would talk about building a foundation. Jesus made the message relatable to whomever He was with. Jesus spoke the language of those He was around because He knew the power of language and its tremendous ability to connect.

We, too, have the ability to speak the language of those we want to have a true connection with by being curious and willing to learn their language in order to identify with them. This creates an instant connection. John 13:34 (ESV) tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” When someone cares enough about you to speak your language, it is a true expression of love.

Tangible Takeaway:

One way Jesus loved others was by speaking their language: Think about the people you come in contact with daily. Do you speak their language? Ask God to make you more aware and sensitive to the language of others.

This is an excerpt from We’re Still in This by Susan Goss – a new relationship devotional book released by DaySpring publishing.  Learn more about this book, or shop other books from DaySpring.