In the stillness following the hustle and bustle of the advent season, and as we welcome in the new year, let us take time to listen. What does God want us to listen to? Are we listening enough to others and importantly to ourselves?
We can hear God’s word by reading bible passages, prayers, worship and in conversations with others and of course God himself. Be open, ask him and be ready to listen for his word.
Do we listen well to others? Are we keen to get our point over and therefore not give one another the grace of listening and not interrupting? Research suggests that we only remember between 25 percent and 50 percent of what we hear. Do we miss the important parts?
Do we give ourselves the respect of listening to what our bodies and minds are telling us. Try spending a few minutes a day being ‘in the moment’ and listening to what is going on within us.
James says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19).
He is reminding us to be eager to listen but only to wholesome advice, good instructions and the experiences of others, and above all to God. He also highlights the need to be slow to get angry, reminding us that when reprimands are given, sin is exposed. We should think how our words are being listened to and how they can affect those listening to us.
Listening is one of the most important skills we have. How well you listen can impact on the quality of your relationships with other people, yourself and God.
Listen and you will receive.
Happy New Year.
Gill
