Daily Devotional
Are You a Good Listener?
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
James 1:19
February 14, 2023
Ponder This
I have an occupational hazard; I am a preacher and I like to talk. As a result, I’m not necessarily a good listener, but I am learning. We all need to learn to listen.
When you listen, you encourage others to talk. If another person has the idea that you’re not listening, that person is not going to want to talk. When you listen, you encourage people to talk. Well, what good does that do? It helps you understand. You cannot understand somebody you’re not listening to. And when you understand your mate, it follows as night follows day that understanding will bring you closer together. You’re going to achieve intimacy. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that.
The reason many of us don’t listen is, number one, we’re defensive. Our ego is there. We don’t want to hear; we don’t want anybody to tell us anything. Number two, we assume we already know what others are going to say, and we finish their sentences for them before they ever get to the end. Number three, while they’re talking, we’re thinking about what we’re going to say and how we’re going to answer. Instead of listening, we’re preparing our own speeches in response. The Bible says we need to learn to listen.
- When do you struggle to listen to others?
- How have you been impacted when someone took the time to listen to you?
Practice This
Ask someone how he or she is doing today and practice really listening.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
