Are You Listening by Ann Broughton

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..” (James 1:19 NIV).

    When was the last time you really listened to someone with compassion?  I believe that listening has become a rare art in our society, mainly due to texting. So many people are texting to one another instead of talking to someone one on one. How can you see what the other one is thinking with their gestures and eyes? A lot of communication is just not the words spoken, but by facial expressions and body gestures. Everyone has the right to be heard fully, and to feel like what they say is very important. It is called respect, and I am afraid it isn’t taught to our children near enough. When someone is speaking to you, listen, do not interrupt, look into the person’s eyes, and don’t think about anything else except what that person is saying to you. Summarize what they said, “So you are saying…..”  Then think before you answer. It might be good to even pray for wisdom when you are answering someone who needs advice.

    Sometimes people just need someone to unload their problems onto. That is where Christians can be so very helpful. We are to be compassionate just like Jesus, so listening to problems and truly caring for the person is so very important. Tell them that you will pray for them too. Sometimes you will not have the answers, but some people don’t necessarily want answers, they just want someone to empathize with them.   Ephesians tells us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). It is through listening to others’ problems that we, as Christians, can show the love of Christ to others.

    My challenge to you this week is to truly listen to those around you. Focus on what they say, look at them in their eyes, and show compassion. Refrain from speaking until the person finishes what they are saying. Respect the person who is speaking to you, and behave towards them as you would want them to behave to you.

 Dear Lord,

Help me to be a good listener to others. Help me to treat everyone with respect and compassion knowing that is exactly what you did when you were here on the earth. Help me to show restraint when I want to interrupt when someone is speaking. I want to show your love in everything I do.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen