If you want better and deeper relationships, become a five-star listener. A good listener hears more than facts; they pick up on the real issues.
A big help in listening well to others is listening well to God. Listening to God puts us in a position to care for and meaningfully engage with others.
A good listener hears more than facts; they pick up on the real issues. #listener, #RefreshingFaith Click To TweetA Simple Way to Listen to God
The most meaningful times I had with my dad in our family grocery store weren’t the times he gave me assignments but the times he told me about himself. God wants to share Himself with us too.
- Read a short section from the Bible.Choose a translation of the Bible that you enjoy and understand. Devotional books or talks can inspire and provide insights. Yet, there is nothing like receiving the pure thoughts God has for us.
. - Reflect on the thoughts or themes that stand out from your reading.Ask God what He wants you to take away from His words. When I do this, He brings thoughts to me. God wants me to know and be close to Him not just to know what I should be doing for Him.As I was reading Luke 6:1-11, the account where the Pharisees criticized Jesus for breaking the Sabbath because He allowed His disciples to pluck grain for food and restored a man’s hand, I was struck by how much Jesus cares for people and their needs. That means Jesus cares about me and my I can trust Him to supply our needs. I hope you will develop the habit of listening to Him and receive the wonderful things He wants to tell you.
Updates
- Many I talk with face relationship challenges of discerning the difference between being supportive and being enabling.
- A young boy from a broken home has changed directions and is applying himself in school.
- A young man who’s lost his family is discovering who Jesus is.
- Debbie’s book Little Faith, Big God is available for preorder. If you’re interested in leading a group with this book, contact her. She will be offering resources for discussion leaders.
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Blessings,
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I love this Debbie. Listening and really hearing is basic to good relationships with God and man! I love your suggestions.
Thank you, Ann. It means so much when people listen and hear you. It aggravates me when I’m not heard. Yet, too often I’m distracted and am the one not listening as I should.
Great post Mr. Larry; and great platform Mrs. Debbie. Listening is such an important step, in both our relationships with others and with God. One thing I’ve learned to do (not perfect yet, but better) is to repeat what I think I heard. This often leads to a clearer understanding of things. Although, admittedly, it leads to “Why aren’t you listening more closely.” 🙂 God’s blessings folks…
J.D., that is a great tip. Active listening is something we all could benefit from—unless it is misunderstood! 🙂
I love the reminder that, “A big help in listening well to others is listening well to God. Listening to God puts us in a position to care for and meaningfully engage with others.” Great article.
Thank you, Jimmie. I have a wise husband.
Thank you Debbie!
Thank you, Carri!
I really needed to read this. I have been so bad at setting a goal of how much to read and then not really taking it in. I will read less amount and really take it in and understand it better and will probably understand it better. Thank you so much for this article, I really found an answer I needed.
Melody, on my resource page I offer a free tool for getting a personal word from God. It revolutionized my Bible reading. I’ve found taking in what I read is more important than covering a lot of material. Though there is a place for both.
Listening is a lost art. We don’t listen to other people because we are in a hurry and we don’t listen to God maybe for the same reason. We want a fast-food answer and it takes patience, quiet and meditating on scripture to hear what He is saying. Listening to God is a gift He gives us.
I agree, Barbara. We were created for relationships. So listening is an art that needs to be cultivated if we want to live satisfying lives.
Listening is one of the best gifts to give others and to give ourselves.
Amen, Melissa!
Great points, Debbie!
Tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Merry Christmas to you too, Patsy!
I’ve never thought of it quite like this: “Listening to God puts us in a position to care for and meaningfully engage with others,” but I just love that thought! Thanks for pointing this out, Debbie! Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Julie. I’ve always appreciated my husband’s insights. Merry Christmas to you!
What a great point. Listening to God helps us listen to others. Wow. Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Theresa. Merry Christmas to you too!