The title of this blog implies that there was a time when listening was done well by human beings. I’m not sure that is necessarily the case since human beings have always been self-focused, even self-centered. It’s part of possessing a sinful nature that each one of us, as human beings, have as a result of the fall – you can read about that in Genesis 3.
In the context of church life, there have been many times in my interaction with people or my observation of conversations when I’ve seen the lack of good listening. Some of those times have been when I, myself, have not done a very good job at this important skill. It’s a skill we can all learn. It’s a skill we can all grow better at. To listen well is a very loving and Christ-like activity. Thinking of it that way will likely help many of us be more intentional in sharpening our listening.
The latest Faith Today magazine (Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s publication; March – April 2023), contained this excellent article (link is below) on this topic of listening well.
I would say that point #2 stands out to me in this article. I would add to point #2 and say that not only is it important to hold back on our impulse to quickly share our experience(s) after someone shares theirs with us, but to ask questions about the experience they just shared with us to understand better and to show that we are truly listening [just my ‘two cents’].
This article has input for us that will help us in our families, in our workplaces, in church life, and in every relationship we’re a part of. Enjoy the article and please read it with a self-reflective posture.