Listen More
Listen More | August 8th
A recent psychology survey assessed people's self-perception of their conversation-listening skills. The findings revealed that 96% of participants believed they were good listeners. However, the report also indicated that individuals only retained approximately half of the information communicated to them!
Scripture teaches us to be patient, still, quiet, and attentive regarding God and listening to Him. The same counsel can apply to our relationships with others. To maximize those essential connections, we must become better listeners. One of those verses that put these instructions into perspective is James 1:19, which says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
The idea is that we would control our minds and mouths to hear those around us fully. Connecting with someone is hard if you're not truly listening to them. You might hear what is being said, but listening is different. Listening involves an ongoing effort of concentration and attentiveness.
Listening also plays a key role in a conflict. You can make matters worse with your mouth if you rush to judgment and respond without all the facts. Thus, the adage is true: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
Armed with this knowledge, let us prayerfully seek to control our tongues. The transformative power of prayer in improving our communication skills cannot be overstated. Personally, I have found that praying before communicating with others is indispensable. Despite the natural inclination of my flesh to judge, be sarcastic, and mean, I have experienced the higher ways of God. His purpose for our communication is to build others up, and listening is the key to achieving this. I encourage you to embark on this journey of transformation through prayerful communication.
To achieve these goals, consider the following: Just as you would turn off the TV or lower the radio to minimize distractions when in a conversation, be diligent in removing whatever may be distracting your attention so you can listen to God and those around you.
Therefore, let us heed the command of Scripture to be ‘quick to listen.’ This is not just a suggestion but a duty and responsibility we have towards God and others. By doing so, we will not only hear from God but also more effectively represent Christ in our communication with others.
Scripture teaches us to be patient, still, quiet, and attentive regarding God and listening to Him. The same counsel can apply to our relationships with others. To maximize those essential connections, we must become better listeners. One of those verses that put these instructions into perspective is James 1:19, which says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
The idea is that we would control our minds and mouths to hear those around us fully. Connecting with someone is hard if you're not truly listening to them. You might hear what is being said, but listening is different. Listening involves an ongoing effort of concentration and attentiveness.
Listening also plays a key role in a conflict. You can make matters worse with your mouth if you rush to judgment and respond without all the facts. Thus, the adage is true: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
Armed with this knowledge, let us prayerfully seek to control our tongues. The transformative power of prayer in improving our communication skills cannot be overstated. Personally, I have found that praying before communicating with others is indispensable. Despite the natural inclination of my flesh to judge, be sarcastic, and mean, I have experienced the higher ways of God. His purpose for our communication is to build others up, and listening is the key to achieving this. I encourage you to embark on this journey of transformation through prayerful communication.
To achieve these goals, consider the following: Just as you would turn off the TV or lower the radio to minimize distractions when in a conversation, be diligent in removing whatever may be distracting your attention so you can listen to God and those around you.
Therefore, let us heed the command of Scripture to be ‘quick to listen.’ This is not just a suggestion but a duty and responsibility we have towards God and others. By doing so, we will not only hear from God but also more effectively represent Christ in our communication with others.
Posted in Listen
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
July
Refuse To Give UpTalk To God During Extreme TestingCelebrate FreedomDelivered From FearPut On Shame RepellentGod's Ears And Our TearsAngels Are In Your CornerTaste God's GoodnessBreak Free With HonestyGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityWe Can Defeat WorryGetting Into A Peaceful State Of MindHealthy Fear Leads To BlessingTrust God To ProvideWellness And Your WordsChase Whatever God ApprovesAre Your Problems Backing You Into A Corner?What To Do When You Drift From God?Think About Releasing Your Stress Lord Direct Our PathPathway To BlessingLord Hear Our PrayerCommunicate Kindness
August
MindfulnessGuard Your MindDealing With Unjust CriticismOn Christ The Solid Rock I StandStop Going Against YourselfGood Decisions Require DiscernmentNegativity Equals Toxicity Listen MoreFlourishing In FaithActs Of Goodness Reverberates In Heaven Thank God It's Sunday (TGIS)Slow Down To Deal With StressKeep Praying For Your FamilyRescue-Me PrayersChoose Your Company WiselyTrust God's GuidanceGod's Mercy Will Never Run Out What To Do When You Drift From God?
No Comments