This should be the hallmark of every 40-Forward BLESSer – Listen, just listen.
Recently, I was scrolling through my social media feed and came across this quote and it moved me to pen this post.
My immediate reaction? I paused to pray … “Lord, help me to listen without judgement. Help me to listen without recommendations. Help me to listen without connecting story.” Why? I am sometimes guilty of this.
If we don’t do this type of listening, have we truly HEARD the individual? (Selah)
We sometimes need to shut up and LISTEN! (Talk Truth)
If we are connecting stories, have we HEARD?
We have to also learn to listen with our heart. This is where empathy and compassion is borne. Empathy and compassion moves you to DO. Over and over we read in the Word of God how Jesus was “moved with compassion”.
One of my favourite scripture is Hebrews 4:15.
When we learn the art of listening, we learn to feel for people. This is what compassion boils down to.
Learning the true art of listening teaches us to be there for the individual.
To a person that is struggling, lonely or hurting this is all they may need. (Selah) They may simply want to “say it out loud”.
One can hear so much by just listening. It’s more than what the person(s) say. What’s their tone? What is their body language saying (or not saying)? Are you connecting with the speaker?
I don’t know about you, but there is nothing worse than talking to someone who is distracted. They can’t take time away from what they are doing to lend a listening ear, especially when you really need someone to talk to (someone to listen).
Now, don’t get me wrong, there are times when it is our recommendation or input that is being sought. If this is the case, we still have to practice intentional listening in order to give good counsel.
My dears, this is not to cast aspersions, but instead it is for us to stop, take a look at ourselves and ensure we are aligned with our mandate to B.L.E.S.S. (Build. Legacy. Encourage. Support. Sway.)
40-Forwarders, let us all go back to the drawing board. Because guess what, we are here to effect change and impact lives – those who are coming behind us, those who are walking alongside us, and those who are ahead of us.
Share this post with others who you know could benefit from this crucial art form – LISTENING.
So well said. God thank you for eyes to see, mouth to speak and ears to hear, help me to use all three for your glory LORD. Let me be proactive in listening when someone is speaking.
Love this, I will definitely try to listen more.
I am sure guilty. It is said that we are given two ears and one mouth because we need to listen twice as much than we speak.
Amen!
Guilty as charged! I have been praying to be a better listener. Father, give me ears to listen intently and your wisdom to know when to speak or give advise. Thank you, so good!!!
Endorsed! I have found out that as I mature I have started listening more and I am certainly learning more.
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