Are You a Good Listener?

Creator and pastor Ted Cunningham says, “Social media is a spot the place folks share their opinions with out sticking round for the dialog.”

He’s proper. Lots of people wish to share what they suppose, however not many will take heed to what you suppose. Watch intently to how folks work together with you, and also you’ll see what I imply. Do they ask questions to raised perceive your perspective? And if you reply, do they actually pay attention? Or do you’re feeling like they’d reasonably argue and win a debate?

Refusing to pay attention is frequent in social media, on discuss reveals, and in politics. But it surely occurs quite a bit in marriage, in parenting, and within the office, too. Refusing to pay attention will not be a sensible technique for all times. In actual fact, the guide of Proverbs says it like this: “Answering earlier than listening is each silly and impolite” (18:13, MSG).

Meaning listening attentively to somebody with whom you disagree is each well mannered and sensible. It means you settle for one other particular person’s humanity even in the event you don’t share their beliefs. Listening means, “You matter to me. I wish to hear what the world appears like via your eyes.” That’s an attractive lifestyle whether or not you’re speaking to your partner or to somebody on the opposite aspect of the political aisle.

You modify the world for the higher, not via arguing, however via relationship. And also you construct a relationship by listening. That’s the key to lasting transformation. Don’t simply share your opinion. Stick round for the dialog.

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