Listen Closely!

At some point in time this week somebody that you interact with is going to say something that you strongly disagree with. This statement could be regarding workplace issues, politics, sports, world-views, family, religion, etc.

How will you respond when this happens?

Whenever someone says something that we disagree with we have a tendency to react in one of the following ways...

- Neglect responding directly to the person, but instead go and complain about them to a friend.

- Make a post on social media about the "fool" that you just interacted with.

- Snap at the person in a hostile way for what they just said.

While all of us would be susceptible to the above responses, they are not the best response especially if we want to move forward in unity.

We must recapture the art of what it means to truly listen to another person. In Romans chapter 12 the apostle Paul says, "give preference to one another in honor." What would humanity begin to look like if we truly honored one another by giving preference to one another in the conversations that we have? We give preference by genuinely listening to others instead of listening just to respond.

Next time someone says something that you disagree with, try listening more. Instead of mentally or even verbally shutting off the conversation maybe you could try one of the following statements...

"Can you further explain where you are coming from? I recognize that I have some blind spots and I want to better understand your perspective."

"Please keep talking. I want to hear more of what you have to say. I want to hear more of your story."

"I think I know what you are saying. I might even disagree with you a little bit, but before I pushback or make any conclusions I want to know more. Please keep talking."

Let's start to honor others. May we move humanity forward by giving one another preference in conversations. Listen before you speak. Listen closely.

For more on this idea check out our most recent message from New Story Church.