We talk too much!

I was advised long ago that when sharing the Gospel, only speak if you absolutely have to speak. What??? Yes, we talk too much! You see, we plan our conversations and have all this information (including memorized Scriptures) ready for the next person we encounter. Yet we do not consider our actions!

Many things must be considered before we speak: the condition of a person's heart, their present situation, their underlying needs, etc. As we show we are listening and trying to understand the other person . . . that we really care for them . . . we can lay the groundwork for our words later.  

You see, they have some questions within their hearts that we just may miss if we are only focused on what we have to say! Are we talking too much?

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (Matthew 10:16-20)

Many times we simply have to allow God to act and speak through us!