Listening - Photo by Nikolay Mamluke. All rights reserved.
Writers who write with their ears squeeze tears from our eyes, elicit exclamations of shock and delight, and strike chords deep within our souls!
We know Jesus had the gift of ears because he heard people's inner cries and responded to their needs. When Jesus spied Zacchaeus outside the city of Jericho in a sycamore tree, he knew Zachaeus desired to be in harmony with God and that he longed for a better life. So Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home." (Luke 19:5)
We have the gift of ears when we understand what people say and mean. Although this kind of hearing is a gift, we receive it when we choose to become engaged in the listening process. Joe Landsberger says, "Active listening intentionally focuses on who you are listening to, whether in a group or one-on-one, in order to understand what he or she is saying. As the listener, you should then be able to repeat back in your own words what they have said to their satisfaction. This does not mean you agree with, but rather understand, what they are saying."1
Listening to God
Learning to be good listeners not only helps us better relate to what people are saying, but it helps us tune into what God is saying through Scripture and prayer. Solomon said, "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand" (Proverbs 19:19-21). In other words, regardless of what we think, or plan, there is wisdom in prayerfully listening for God's counsel.
1. Joe Landsberger, Study Guides and Strategies, Active Listening
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