Crucifying The Interrupter in Me

You’ve done it.  I’ve done it.  Someone starts talking and you’re ready to finish their sentence.  You’ve heard it before.  Maybe it’s subconscious.  Maybe it’s intentional.  Maybe it’s a pattern that’s developed because of thoughtlessness.  

Interrupting is an incredible form of pride.  Interrupting says, “I know what you’regoing to say” or “What I have to say is more important than what you’re saying.”  In any case, interrupting is an act that is not filled with the love that comes from being filled with the fruit of the gospel.

In Romans 12:10, Paul is in the midst of discussing the fruits of what the gospel does in those who have been transformed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - it builds love.  He says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”  The parallel of loving one another with brotherly affection is outdoing one another in showing honour.  In other words, prefer the other, just as Christ did by laying aside his glory and considered others better than himself (Philip 2:3).

Being quick to listen to another rather than interrupting is a powerful gospel fruit.  By not interrupting, we’re saying, “I prefer to listen to you and hear you out rather thanmaking you listen to me.  What you have to say is important and allows me to hear your heart, your struggles, your joys.”

How do you know if you’re “The Interrupter”?  A few good questions to ask:

1.  Am I formulating my response and not listening to the heart of the personspeaking?

2.  Am I stuttering to get a word in edge-wise?

3.  Am I saying “Uh huh” or “Yeah” to try to get into the conversation?

4.  Ask a few trusted friends: “Do I have a habit of interrupting?  Do you feel like I hear you out when you speak?”

Interrupting isn’t merely a problem of feeling like you’re not going to be heard - it’s a heart of pride that needs to be shaped by the gospel of a Savior who gave up his rights, who was silent before his accusers, and trusted his Father to vindicate him.  

So stop.  Confess.  And listen to your Father in his Word.  And find the power of the cross more ready to help you than you are ready to interrupt!