Listen and Love
My dear brothers and sisters, take
note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and
slow to become angry. – James 1:19, NIV
In my work with Stephen Ministry, I
have become fascinated with listening. Sounds simple to listen, but
it is not. Listening, hearing, understanding – is anything more
rare in our daily lives? To truly listen requires patience,
attention, discipline, open-mindedness. When I am with someone who
listens to me, I feel affirmed and energized. I feel I have an ally.
I feel ready to face my next challenge.
Stephen Ministers are trained to
listen. I think that I liked that part of our training best; quietly
listening for clues to how a person was feeling. Almost like solving
a puzzle. But what shocked me most, was that when someone was
listening to me, even in a training role-play, I felt so nourished. I
felt cherished and important. It occurred to me that true listening
does not happen often enough.
Of course, I think about prayer time
– time where God listens. God is unlimited and infinite. God is the
best listener of all! It takes some discipline for me to remember
that God will listen to all my large and small cares, at any time!
On any Sunday morning at GPUMC, or
any meeting, rehearsal or event, for that matter, observe the patient
listening that goes on. I have witnessed beautiful displays of
listening, affirmation and care between church members, visitors and
family members. Big struggles and problems are shared and prayed
about. Hugs, squeezes and comfort is given. Loving, attentive
listening is displayed all around. It is such a pleasure to see and
take part in.
The lovely verse from James above
does not JUST focus on listening, but he does instruct us FIRST to
listen. I am so grateful to be a part of a church that listens and
loves. Amen.
Anne Sullivan
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