LISTEN WITH POWER!

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger…James 1:19.”

Are you a good listener? How do you know if you are or you aren’t?

Jesus said,” Consider carefully how you hear, with the measure you use, it will be measured to you – even more.” (Mark4:24) This is an intense statement. As we evaluate others by their messages, we will be evaluated. God will evaluate us in like manner – yet, somehow, in a deeper way.

I am not sure how you feel when you read this, but it makes me want to be careful to be gracious in my listening. I don’t want to be judgmental or harsh. I want to believe the best about the one to whom I am listening. I want to apply faith and God’s grace to what I hear. And, I want to be a blessing to the message giver. Why? … Because that’s how I want others to relate to me and my message, and more importantly this is how I want to be blessed by God.

Be quick to listen – and listen well. Be slow to speak – and speak carefully. (James 1:19) Don’t react – process well. Don’t judge – support with grace. Receive what is good and put it into practice. God will bless such listening and hearing. It is a mark of God’s wisdom. (Matthew 7:24)

What if we all became good listeners and taught others to do the same? It would make a difference in your family, your friendships and workplaces. What if believers started to be known as good listeners? We would see more people come to Christ!

If you listen well – with the gracious help and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, you will have a greater impact. God will be with you – and God will move through you.

Have a great day listening to others in a life-transforming way!

Listening to you,

Pastor Tom