God's Spirit

Yesterday, we celebrated Pentecost: The festival of the Holy Spirit. As Christians we believe that God's Spirit is poured out on all of God's children, gifting us, inspiring us, empowering us to speak and share the good news about Jesus Christ. 

The Book of Acts tells us that people from all over the world had come to Jerusalem, and suddenly they heard their own language being spoken. They understood the message about Jesus because God gifted Jesus' disciples to speak in other languages!
If only it were that easy for us today: If only we could suddenly, effortlessly speak Spanish or Mandarin.
Are there ways that we can speak the languages of other people? Can we learn the language of another generation, another culture, another ethnicity, even another political view?
Listening is the first step to understanding others. Before we can speak to them we need to listen. Listen to their stories, listen to their experience and to their needs. When we truly listen, and truly want to understand, we will learn to speak their language. We will be able to share with them the gifts God has given us.
Language isn't only words. Music can be language, as can art, or dance. Your facial expression and your body can communicate openness and kindness, or fear and judgment. Everything you do (or don't do) communicates a message.
Let that message be love.
God, let our message be love. Send your Spirit on us that we may listen and speak in love.