Just Listen
By Joe Keim
May 1, 2024
Most of us would rate ourselves as good listeners. At least, we would like to think that way. Sadly, most of us are not good listeners. We fail miserably.
A good listener does not finish the other person’s sentences.
A good listener does not respond with a bigger, juicier story.
A good listener leans in, pays attention to detail, looks the speaker in the eyes, and waits for the person to finish. After a short pause, a good listener will respond with questions like, “You mentioned earlier that you __________. How did that make you feel? What happened after that? Wow! That’s very interesting. Can you share more?”
Do you want to be a mentor?
Learn to listen.
Do you want to make a difference in a hurting person's life?
Learn to listen.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…” (James 1:19.
There’s a reason the Lord gave us two ears and one mouth. We should listen twice as much as we speak.
Amen, Joe! That’s good preaching.
People in ministry are tempted to fix others rather than listen. I’ve learned (and am still learning) that we, in ministry, cannot fix anyone. We can, on the other hand, listen.
Listening does not require a special license or a four-year degree.
Listening does not require you to be popular or famous. Age doesn’t matter. Gender doesn’t matter.
Recently, someone called and talked 100 miles an hour, nonstop, for 45 minutes. Suddenly, the person ran out of words. After a long pause, I asked, what I could do to help her. She said, “Nothing! I just needed you to listen.”
The author invites you to text or call
if you have questions or comments!
(419) 651-6813
Comments - Post a Comment
« Back to Articles
