God’s Love in Listening - Beloved Women - April 4, 2024
READ: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: As a professor, I am required to hold office hours, however students rarely visit my office during the posted hours on my door. Instead they come when I am working or trying to prepare for a class or meeting. When my students visit my office, they do not come for a few minutes and leave. They sit for 30 minutes. They linger for an hour. I have learned to embrace their visits because most of the time, they just want someone to listen. They want the reassurance of a caring adult. They want to know they are making the correct decision or heading in the right direction.
James’ message is important because our tendency is typically to talk, rather than listen. The bible teaches us that to listen is to love. Instead of forcing our words on someone, we should take ourselves out of the response and learn to understand each other and strengthen our connections.
Be someone’s ray of hope during a busy time of your day. Take time to listen with both your ears and your heart. Be a blessing and show God’s love through the art of listening.
PRAY: Dear God, help me to not be too busy when others need a listening ear and comforting word. Help me to listen with my ears and reflect with my heart before responding. Give me the words to calm their storms and the spirit of discernment to say the right words. I ask You for the strength that only You can provide. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.
REFLECT: How can I learn to be an effective listener? How can I listen and respond in a way that is pleasing to God?
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Dr. Andrea Lewis at www.virtuouspearl.com.
© 2021 by Dr. Andrea Lewis. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Thursday, 04 April 2024.
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