James 1:19 (ESV) “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”
Most people have the tendency to interrupt others when they are making a point. It is good to speak, but you learn better when you listen. It is said, “When you speak, nothing goes inside of you”. This expression enlightens us on the need to be attentive to the needs and concerns of others.
Whenever you step into a meeting, you must know that you are there for two reasons: to speak and to be spoken to. As Scripture makes us understand in the book of James, we must be quick to hear and slow to speak. However, some of us find it difficult listening to others when they are speaking, and we tend to close the chapter after we have made our submission.
There are things we can learn about good listening:
#1. Good Listening requires patience.
Never listen with half of your ears, thinking you already know what the other party is about to say. In order to learn, you must be open to new ideas and perspectives even if they do not necessarily agree with yours.
#2. Good listening shows your loving nature.
A big part of loving is listening. When people know that you listen to them, they tend to trust you the more with their issues. They know that you will not overshadow the conversation with your speeches.When people know that you listen to them, they tend to trust you the more with their issues. They know that you will not overshadow the conversation with your speeches. We love God because He first loved us; and one of the reasons we know He loves us is that He listens to us.
#3. Good listening also enriches our understanding.
There is an old saying that goes, “When you open your mouth, you tell people who you are”. In other words, you can get to understand someone's personality, values and attitude by the way he speaks. When you pay close attention to what they believe in and spend time on, you can get an understanding of the kind of person you are dealing with.
Precious one, you can work better and more efficiently wherever you find yourself if you take time to listen. It is the easiest and yet hardest thing to do. Let us not listen to respond but rather to understand.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be more patient in dealing with others, and teach me to listen to others and understand their needs in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Topics : Charles Agyinasare, Charles Agyinasare, Listening And Hearing,
