Listen

24 August 2022

Learning to listen with respect to others’ viewpoints, whilst reserving judgment, creates space in which understanding can be established through verbal exchanges.

James 1:19–21

‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.’ (vv19–20)

Training as a mediator I was reminded that I had two ears, but only one mouth; the moral being, listen twice as much as you speak. Good advice, but like many I have an opinion on everything and this remains a challenge.

A study of Jesus’ ministry reveals He asked many questions and listened carefully to peoples’ answers. He was interested in what lay behind the words, more than the words themselves.

Language helps us build together; learning to live with disagreement is a positive consequence of our social experience.

In listening, we learn about the reasons why people are who they are and express themselves in the way they do. This can constructively guide the nature of our response. Our desire is never about winning an argument but to encourage and enable others to discover the reality and value of the non-material in the context of our material perception and experience.

Today, awash with virtual opinions, we swiftly ‘Like’ and forward soundbites born of style over substance. Our opinions twist and turn with the faintest of encouragement, and baying crowds quickly gather around a poorly conceived and only half-considered piece of meaning.

Today, awash with virtual opinions, we swiftly ‘Like’ and forward soundbites born of style over substance.

Learning to listen with respect to others’ viewpoints, whilst reserving judgment, creates space in which understanding can be established through verbal exchanges. The agreement is never the objective, but showing the courtesy of listening demonstrates maturity, confidence in our perspective and an opportunity to advance knowledge to enrich everyone.

Words spoken in haste, without thought, have mobilised armies and wreaked havoc throughout history. Language helps us build together; learning to live with disagreement is a positive consequence of our social experience.