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Would you say that you are a good listener? Or more importantly, would others say you are? It has been said that we are given two ears and one mouth, so that we can listen twice as much as we talk. We hear a lot today on how to be a better communicator, but very little on how to be a better listener.

In the book of James, we are told "everyone should be quick to listen". In Greek, the word for "quick" means to be prompt or ready. Therefore, could it be: don't be so quick to speak as to be ready to listen? Are you prompt and ready to listen to others? Or, are you so preoccupied with wanting to be heard that you do not listen? Do you have ears to hear?

Real listening means not only closing your mouth, but also focusing on what is being said, instead of thinking about what you want to say. Learning to listen takes wisdom, patience, compassion and self-control. Do you pre-judge remarks? Do you "tune out" before others finish speaking? Do you allow others to speak without interrupting? Proverbs 18:13 states, "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame." You learn so much more about people when you listen rather than when you do all the talking...

We have the same problem with listening to God as we do with listening to others. If we take the time to pray, it is usually one-sided. We do all the talking...Or, we don't sit still long enough to hear what God is trying to tell us. God is always ready to communicate. Are you? Your family friends and co-workers are telling you what they need or want. Are you quick to listen?

In the words of King Jesus, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes."

Prayer:
Father, forgive me when I have not listened to others, but instead ran my mouth and demanded to be heard. Help me to tune in and focus on what others are saying. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see you and others. Teach me to still my mind and my body, that I may listen and understand. Help me to listen with your ears, and understand with your heart.