Psalm 103:13 English Standard Version (ESV) As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

 Not all fathers are compassionate. It has been said that our view of Father God is colored by our view of our fathers. Maybe that is why it took me so long to hear God. My father wasn’t a communicator.

I cannot speak for others that had difficult relationships with their dads. I can only see how lack of communication caused problems for me in hearing God at first. I thank God that He is an overcomer and cleared up the problem.

Perhaps when someone says to me “I don’t get it!” I could ask them about their relationship with their dad and see where that leads. Perhaps their dad didn’t do bible studies with the family. I sure know mine did not.

I am not the best communicator. I read into what people say without knowing them well enough to understand their communication style. Some are rational thinkers, some are emotional responders, and some are parrots, only repeating what they have been told.

Knowing the people you are keeping company with helps improve communications. When it comes to communicating theological issues, it is essential. Some people hold onto certain issues with a strong sense of right and will not allow differing opinions.

Isaiah 1:18a English Standard Version (ESV) “Come now, let us reason^[dispute] together,

The bible is the first and most reliable source when it comes to understanding what God has to say on any subject. Theology is a study of the bible in which great men have spent a lifetime dedicated to sorting it all out for our benefit. We lean on those writings for insight into many details which might escape us because we have not spent as much time in the word.

We must be careful not to allow their relationship to replace our own with our God.

He speaks to us via His indwelling presence. His truth abides in us. His love abides in us.