2:100 – Take Time To Listen

#faithbites #faithjourney listen

Noise is all around. TV, Radio, Social Media, Idle Chatter, Racing Thoughts, so much going on. Many of us would just like to tune it out for a just a bit. While all this noise is happening, there are people who want us and need us to listen.

I had a peer in my cohort send me a random note about something I said in class. What I could have just wrote off as a nice comment, turned into a conversation about my faith, her faith, and the feelings she is dealing with in this program. This morning, I had a friend come back from vacation. Yes, she had two weeks of work to catch up on, but taking the time to sit, ask her about her trip and listen was helpful for both of us.

Sometimes, we need to talk, most of the times just inviting someone to talk and us to listen is what we should do. Just being there is powerful.

Scripture

• Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
• Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions – Proverbs 18:2
• If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. – Proverbs 18:13

Reflection

Listening to others, rather than speaking, shows that you care for them. It helps us show we don’t know everything and are turning it over to our friends and to God for his answers.

I have opinions on just about everything. As my wife would say, I have too many opinions. What I am trying to do more now, is just open up conversation and listen. When it’s time to add my thoughts, I will. But if there isn’t anything for me to add, I will just listen.

Speaking the Word of God, isn’t your word. Even sharing your story, is the story of how the Lord has worked through you. The best way to learn is to listen. When you understand where someone is coming from, then you can tailor your approach to them and be better at reaching them.

Charge

I talk a lot in meetings. A former supervisor of mine, who had the same tendency as I do, gave me a hint. Go into a meeting and try not to say anything until 3 people have talked. Then make it 4. You will see that when you speak, your words have more power.

Prayer

Dear Lord. Thank you for your powerful word and those you put in our lives. Help us to listen first and speak later. Give us the knowledge when to spark a conversation, when to interject and when to just be there. Sometimes, just being there, when nothing is said is powerful. Thank you for all that you do. In Jesus name, Amen.