The Art of Listening

Hebrews 2:1 We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

How carefully do we listen to what God reveals? And note I said we, not you, because this applies to everyone. How intent are we on earnestly keeping things private that we should not let slip? God gives all the wisdom, insight, and counsel we need for living. But in the hectic activities, stress and pressures of life or even when things are going well (that in particular is when we do not spend as much time with Him as we should, thinking we have everything under control), it is easy to totally miss His message or misunderstand what He was trying to reveal to us if we had truly listened to Him.

This art of listening closely applies to other relationships as well and to the people we meet during the day. How many of us have been sharing something we deem really important only to get that blank stare or the repeated uh, huhs, that tell us this person does not care what I am sharing from my heart and they are not listening to me? Even worse is telling someone something in private, requesting that it be kept between you only to hear it somewhere in the office later, or even in church. A good listener can be hard to find. It is an art that has to be developed over time. Showing respect for the person entrusting you with a private matter reveals to them that you are an artful listener.

We should ask for His help to listen with sensitivity, faithfulness, and remembrance as He speaks. We also need help to listen carefully so that the things He says will not be distorted or discarded. In 2nd Timothy we are admonished to show ourselves approved unto God by the study of His word and if we do study His word, we have a wonderful tool. A tool with which to learn not only what God has for us but also how to be concerned enough about the people who depend on you for guidance. A person may also be outside any faith and is watching you to see how you represent your faith.

Being that good listener may open doors to improve relationships because if you care enough to listen to someone’s needs, you may then become an encourager. How can you listen to someone sharing what they might be going through and not wonder if there is some instruction from God to share or think? Is there a scripture that might help them? Or what is really, really important is to keep your mouth shut and truly listen to what is being shared with you. A lot of people want to interject their opinion while this person is trying to get a message across to you. They do not want your input while they are opening up to you. It can get them off track altogether about what they need to talk about.

This blog is not meant to condone idle conversation that the office busybody might go on and on about or the one who gossips in the office. Gossip is usually cruel and you should do your best to stifle it. Do not practice listening to either of these vain babblings. This blog is meant to encourage all of us to learn how to be the listener God would have us be, if this is something you do not do. This blog is meant to encourage those who already have the gift of being an artful listener so you would know that you are blessed. You are also an encourager because this may be the only help this person cries out for--so how disheartening to them if you are giving that blank stare or just agreeing at moments while they cry their heart out for help.

You can always depend on God to give you inspiration to improve on an area of your life if you take the time to listen to the One who listens to all of our cries for help in times of need or praises in times of joy. God always listens to us no matter what we talk to Him about. He wants to listen to us and we should want to listen to our brothers and sisters in Christ or the people we come by who might need someone like you to listen, really listen to what they have to say.

Posted by SarahBeth at 10:59 AM
Labels: God speaks, listening, religion, relationships