The Art of Active Listening: Seeking first to understand then to be understood ~ Sermon Only

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
LEAD WITH LISTENING
Proverbs 18:2
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
Proverbs 18:13
13 To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.

James 1:19

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

How to LISTEN effectively:
Let go of your agenda

Incarnate their world

Surrender your “fix it” hat.

Try to rephrase their content and feelings

Express validation of their thoughts and feelings.

No criticism, judgmentalism, defensiveness, control

Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

“Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. THEY FORGET THAT LISTENING CAN BE A GREATER SERVICE THAN SPEAKING.
Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking where they should be listening. BUT HE WHO CAN NO LONGER LISTEN TO HIS BROTHER WILL SOON BE NO LONGER LISTENING TO GOD EITHER; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God too. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and in the end there is nothing left but spiritual chatter.”

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