March 30, 2025
Hello, Beloved.
Don Milam once shared a truth worth reflecting on: “Just because we are speaking the same language does not mean we understand each other.”
Relationships can be painful when we don’t feel heard, seen, or spoken to with respect and love. We’ve all experienced it. Sometimes a conversation ends without resolving anything. Silence can feel heavier than any disagreement, and it hurts to realize someone felt alone even when we were right there with them.
We all know, even if we haven’t said it, that the quality of our relationships shapes the quality of our lives. We notice it when we feel lonely on a weekend, when a friendship fades, or when we hurt those we love most. Relationships matter, and we need to make them a priority. But sometimes, we don’t know what to do when they feel strained beyond what we can handle.
Many of us learned how to prepare our response, defend our position, and try to win. But we were rarely taught how to be with someone in their experience, without trying to fix, change, or minimize what they’re going through.
Listening is not the pause between our talking. Listening is an act of love.
The ancient Hebrew word shema, the most prayed word in Jewish history, means more than just hearing sounds. It calls us to give our full attention to someone, to let what they share change us, and to show with our presence that they are worth being heard. When we talk about listening in our relationships, we’re not just using ideas from psychology or culture. We’re returning to something God’s people have practiced for thousands of years.
And, what about speaking? Learning new techniques can help, but only to a point. We can memorize what to say, but if fear is still in control, old habits will come back when things get tough. The gospel offers what a communication workshop cannot. When we know we are fully accepted, we can speak the truth with love. The conversation we fear might be exactly what our relationship needs. If we stay silent, the silence will speak for us.
Make every effort. It’s worth it.
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience God, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others.)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
BECOMING: A Healthy Me for a Healthy We Part 12 — Entire Service or Teaching Only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $21,500)
March 1: $22,501.14
March 8: $20,598.52
March 15: $27,063.51
March 22: $18,335.92
March 29: $23,347.31
Greater Things YTD 2026: $30,279.20
Current Mortgage Balance: $264,334
Take care and stay hopeful. We can’t wait to see you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com