QUESTION: Are we indeed only responsible for what we say and not how people understand us?
Communication is a shared responsibility, but those who initiate it must be more concerned about helping bridge gaps in understanding. This must be done through patience and convincing arguments, not arrogant carelessness. A preacher must be diligent, not negligent, in the preaching of the Word.
“And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.” (Ezekiel 2:3-5, NKJV)
Finally, God sends His messengers with clear messages to either correct or convict. Even if a messenger’s mandate is to convict and not to correct, “Thus says the Lord God” must be clear so that the people are without excuse. If it is intended to correct, it must even be clearer, shared with all patience and instruction. Biblical exposition is about shining the light of the Word in minds. Whether they hear or they refuse, they will know that a prophet has been among them. That prophet spoke clearly by the Word of God, and they were without excuse. Their misalignment would be rebellion, not ignorance.
Communicators must play that important role of removing excuses. Speakers, by explaining; and listeners, by active listening and sincerity.
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Shalom
