Wisdom
"Listen carefully to my words, and let
my declaration be in your ears." Job 13:17
"The first service one owes to others in
the community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with
listening to God's Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning
to listen to them. ... We do God's work for our brothers and sisters when we
learn to listen to them. So often Christians, especially preachers, think that
their only service is always to have to "offer" something when they
are together with other people. They forget that listening can be a greater
service than speaking. Many people seek a sympathetic ear and do not find it
among Christians, because these Christians are talking even when they should be
listening. But Christians who can no longer listen to one another will soon no
longer be listening to God either; they will always be talking even in the
presence of God."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Oh how I need to realize this gift more consistently in my own
life. There is nothing that conveys a caring heart so readily and nothing more
necessary to the spiritual life, as a listening ear. Lord help me listen so
that I may hear.
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