Since I can remember, I was a talker. So much so, that ever since I can remember I have also heard “you talk too much” from friends and family. Most recently I’ve been accused by the one closest to me that I don’t listen; at least not enough or long enough to allow the person I’m in conversation with to make their point. I’m too busy trying to make mine. Let me plead guilty now in order to hopefully make a spiritual point.
Age, which should bring wisdom, has begun to move me into an understanding that closing one’s mouth heightens one’s hearing and it is by hearing that faith takes place. See Romans 10:17. I get it now. I have been moved recently to shut up and listen.
Miraculous things happen when quiet replaces the noise you generate. When you’re quiet, people tell you stuff, reveal themselves, open their hearts and their minds. By listening you become a vessel through which God can do His thing for someone else.
Now I’m not trying to scare anybody, but a tone, a quiver, a held back tear, a momentary pause can reveal the need for a hug, a word of encouragement, a chance to let someone know you’re there for them; none of which you would know if you’re running your mouth all the time.
A funny thing happens when words meet the silence I’m referring to. Truth happens. And when truth happens, I guarantee you God shows up and shows out.
Your ability to listen is a gift, dare I say blessing. Now I believe you are to use this gift to benefit others. How? By realizing you are to share the testimony of your life’s experiences with those who need to they are not alone in their grief, their challenges or their circumstances.
We all got here by going through something. God molded us all. It’s called life. Been there! Bless that!
“Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Luke 8:18.
These days folks think there’s something wrong because I’m not saying anything. When I tell them I’m just intently listening to them, they all say the same thing in one way or another. “Your silence is deafening.” Now that’s an oxymoron for you. To me, I’m just listening loud. You’d be amazed at what you hear.
Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance…“ No matter how hard you try or think you’re trying, you can’t talk and listen at the same time.
