The Courage to Listen
Day 334
Dr. Larry Crabb describes this scenario: "You're sitting next to
somebody in church or maybe in a small-group setting. It's coffee break time
and the person obviously is distressed. Your initial inclination is
'Let me see if I can't go have coffee with somebody else, because if I
stay with this person who is hurting, I won't know what to do. Let me go
chat with some buddies and some friends where I feel very adequate.'"
He continues, "We tend to underestimate the profound power of
listening. We think of that as anemic: 'Well, at least I listened, but what good
does that do?' I think the biggest lesson I've learned as a friend or
as a husband or as a counselor is this: It isn't what I know or my
competence that makes the difference; it's when I find the courage to be
there in the presence of God, that's where the difference is found."
Be courageous; do not stay where you feel comfortable and safe. Take a
chance for someone else today and listen. Listen to God urging you
forward and listen attentively to someone who is hurting. When a person
sees that you are truly listening, that person feels valued. This
validation brings deep healing.
"He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame"
(Proverbs 18:13).
God, I feel very inadequate sometimes. Teach me that with You in my
life, I am complete, and my presence is needed to help others who are
hurting. Amen.
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