Reflections

Beetexting’s Communication Advocate includes a feature called Reflections.  These are helpful questions that will prompt us to reflect on a message we are about to send. The goal of this feature is to help us give our speech due consideration. Our prayer is that this feature will put us in a reflective state where we can listen for and hear the still small voice of the Spirit, who is our Advocate.

When Reflections are turned on, messages we send enter Message Delivery Delay status. We will then see a Reflection Time begin to count down. When this count down ends, the message will be sent. If we click the message before the count down ends, it will be pulled back into the compose field to be edited or even disregarded. We can adjust our Reflection Time in the Communication Advocate settings.

Reflections are helpful questions based on Scripture relating to communication. These are here to help us recall the Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  We can edit, remove, or create new Reflections for ourselves in the Communication Advocate settings. Admin users can also create company-wide Reflections for their team

We learned a lot when we did our Bible Study on Communication. One of the major themes that emerged when we studied the Scripture was the concept of ensuring that we give our speech due consideration. (Proverbs 10:32, Proverbs 11:12, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 15:28, Proverbs 18:13, Ecclesiastes 5:2, James 1:26).

Especially in America, the pace of conversation can be relatively quick, with people talking over each other. For some reason, there seems to be a cultural pressure to fill any pauses. It’s almost like it’s become awkward to think during a conversation! This can lead to hasty words, and it certainly works against the Biblical advice to give our speech due consideration. However, text messaging gives us a real advantage here.

When we’re not face-to-face, there is less pressure to fill every moment with words. This gives us an excellent opportunity to practice considering what we are about to say. Is what I’m about to say…

• edifying?
• accurate?
• concise?
• show my thankfulness?
• prideful?
• judgemental?
• assumptive?
• full of grace?
• kind?

God gave us the gift of speech, and it has an intended use. If we misuse it, it will take us to a place we don’t want to be. However, if we use our speech as God intended, it will be to everyone’s benefit.

Here are some examples of how we should and shouldn’t use the gift speech. For a full list, check out Beetexting’s Bible Study on Communication.

Do:

• Use speech to edify others (Ephesians 4:29)
• Try to resolve conflict in private (Matthew 18:15)
• Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Use speech to glorify God and share the good news (Colossians 3:16)
• Use speech to give thanks (Colossians 3:17)
• Think before you speak (Proverbs 16:23)
• Be quick to hear, slow to speak. (James 1:18-20)
• Let your speech be full of grace, both in manner and matter (Colossians 4:6)

Don’t:

• Slander (Leviticus 19:16)
• Speak not proudly nor arrogantly (1 Samuel 2:3)
• Speak evil or lie (Psalm 34:13)
• Grumble (Philippians 2:14)
• Repeat a person’s transgressions will separate close friends (Proverbs 17:9)
• Be rash with thy words (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
• Answer without hearing (Proverbs 18:13)
• Pour out speech without restraint or thought (Proverbs 15:2)

Have questions? Text us at (309) 605-0390.

Have ideas on how to improve the Communication Advocate please visit our roadmap or text us at (309) 605-0390.