If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
– 1 Corinthians 13:1
The rapidly developing technology of the digital age has changed communication.
You might have seen the family dining out together, with each person busily texting someone else on their phones rather than joining in verbal exchanges with one another.
In her book The Art of Conversation, author Catherine Blyth addresses the lost skill of just talking with one another. The goal of a conversation is to understand and be understood.
The issue today is that many people have forgotten they have one mouth and two ears, and that kindness goes a long way.
Paul reminds you to let your words be gracious (Colossians 4:6), building up one another in love
(1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Listening may be easy, but hearing what someone is communicating can be difficult.
James 1:19 says, “Let every person be quick to hear.”
True hearing is a love gift you give to the other person.
Learning to listen to understand requires effort, being intentional and focused.
In Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together, he calls listening to a ministry. He says not to listen with half an ear, waiting to jump in with your comments. “Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them,” Bonhoeffer wrote, adding, “Listening can be a greater service than speaking.”
Enjoy conversation with family and friends. Listen with attention.
Likewise, read and hear to understand the words of the Lord.
Enter into prayer and bring your praises and needs to Him.
Pray for Christian ministers and counselors to balance real listening with their advising.
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