A Listener, Not a Teller - Day 225 Month 8-12 Week 33-1

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)

2 Samuel 23, Proverbs 18:13-24, Ezekiel 24:15-25:7, 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2023%2C%20Proverbs%2018%3A13-24%2C%20Ezekiel%2024%3A15-25%3A7%2C%201%20Corinthians%205%3A1-6%3A11&version=ESV    


A Listener, not a Teller


Have you ever been in one of those conversations?  I’m sure you know the kind.  It’s usually a spirited conversation.  Someone in the conversation doesn’t let you finish your sentence because they think they know your entire thought.  Are you the person who cuts in?  I occasionally am that person.  


The problem with cutting in on conversations is simply that you aren’t listening.  The point you may be answering is your point and may not be the point the person is trying to convey.  Imagine if you’ve asked someone for advice on something and you cut in before they can provide the advice.  Eventually you may be at risk of not hearing the advice and slowly you could potentially lose the very people that you rely on.  Being a “know it all” minimizes the value of the other person's words.


As I was reading proverbs today, this caught me.  “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13).  


I was trained, many years ago, as a Stephen Minister.  A Stephen Minister is someone who walks alongside a person who is going through a difficult time, intentionally “being there.”  Stephen Ministers aren't mental health professionals.  Their roles are different.  They're trained to provide Christian care, support, listening and appropriate referral when someone's needs go beyond their role.  One of the most important things you are taught is active listening.  We were taught to listen without interrupting and then ask questions to help the person process their thoughts.  It’s effective.  The Stephen Minister is not there to solve a person's problems.


I have been reminded of something very important today and maybe it's a lesson for you, the reader, as well.  People who are talking to you need a listener, not a teller!  Just as we want people to have the freedom to respond to God, we need to avoid forcing our word on others.  If we truly love our neighbours as Jesus has taught us, we need to be the listener.  


Have a great day!

Steve

steve.d.pauls@gmail.com


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