Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Hearing and Doing the Word Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; -- James 1:16-19(ESV) Listening is such a simple act, wrote management consultant Margaret J. Wheatley. It requires us to be present, and that takes practice, but we dont have to do anything else. We dont have to advise, or coach, or sound wise. We just have to be willing to sit there and listen. Jesus certainly knew how to advise, coach, and communicate His wisdom. The teaching of the ages rolled off His tongue, and His Words change our lives. Yet He also knew how to listen. He freely gave the present of listening ears. He heard the cries of widows, the perplexity of disciples, the voices of children, the confusion of rulers, and the voice of His Father. According to Proverbs 20:5, peoples hearts are like deep waters, but a man of understanding will draw [them] out. Those who listen have a way of uncovering the needs of others. We cant solve everyones problems, but sometimes listening is enough. Let every one of us be slow to speak but quick to listen (James 1:19). -- David Jeremiah
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:54:44 +0000