James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
Sometimes I do a good job listening- hearing what others have to say. Sometimes I genuinely want to understand someone else's thoughts and feelings- but I have a long way to go with this.
Proverbs 18:2 "A fool (me) does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions"
One of Jesus most common sayings after offering up difficult teaching was, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear".
Lord God, give me ears to hear and a heart intent on listening.
As a teacher I make my living with words- I can be pretty good at helping others understand difficult concepts by guiding them with my words. There is a great sense of satisfaction when someone gets something I have been trying to get across. Words are a way of life for me.
Add to that- that there are certain things I am passionate about or I have pondered over and reached a conclusion about and watch out- I can easily become overbearing and hard with my words, scarcely listening at all.
Now I realize there are times when strong words need to be delivered with Passion, but like so many things in Christian life there are few hard fast rules- except maybe becoming aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and listening for His lead in it all. Maybe that is what listening to others will teach me in my day by day face to face interactions- the habit of quieting down and intentionally listening for God's lead- To become that way in my prayers.
Father forgive me. Move in me to become a good listener. Move in me to serve others- to become truly empathetic by listening- and really hearing their hearts. Help me to know when my words are more about defending my position than really offering help in Love. Amen
