Be A Good Listener
But then they challenged even my listening abilities.
Reference: “To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13 NIV
Explore: I used to consider myself a reasonably good listener, but I was recently confronted with an idea that showed otherwise.
I was listening to someone who was explaining what it was to be a good listener. They spoke of body language and appropriate comments you can make to encourage the other person to continue sharing.
Most of the suggestions I knew about and felt I practiced regularly. But then they challenged me!
“When you are truly listening you are hearing the other person’s words and not waiting for a break in the conversation so you can bring your own opinions.”
Guilty.
There’s not many conversation I can recall where I haven’t been thinking of what I am going to say next! To truly listen is to be present in what the other person is saying.
Application: Proverbs 18 speaks a great deal about words and wisdom. Anyone who has the gift of the gab can very easily talk and keep a conversation going.
But to truly listen and be present in a conversation is a true gift you can give to absolutely anyone who is willing to engage with you.
Prayer: Lord, may my conversations be seasoned with Your love, grace and wisdom. Amen.
How often do you truly listen to those around you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.