Are we really listening?

Humility and listening are closely linked together. A primary way to express humility is to listen intensely to the one who speaks. Perhaps we all think that we listen much better than others do. Perhaps we often equate listening simply with not talking. But the fact is if most of our listening is spent formulating our next opinion or running through tomorrows' to-do list, we aren't listening at all. Well, we would like to think of this as efficient multi-tasking. Selfish, disrespect and pride would be a more accurate assessment.

By contrast, true listening is an active, attentive commitment to understand another person and to discern relevant truth from what the person is saying. In Matt 11:15, Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear". There was a clear implication that not everyone within the sound of His voice was truly listening or hearing.

The way we listen to someone else profoundly does affects our communication. How to be a good listener? It simply means to have undivided attention to the one who speaks. In fact, active listening and intentional responsiveness are expressions of humility and respect. Learn to ask questions humbly and gently to the one who speaks. Asking good questions with gentleness is an essential part of listning that is humble, actively involved and with an intent to get closer with the one who speaks. As Paul Tripp has written, "Gentle talk comes from the person who is speaking not because of what he wants from you but what he wants for you."

In conclusion, James 1:19.... But everyone must be quick to hear slow to speak......