Background - 
Where did this topic come from. It started with conviction. God has really been laying on my heart the need to do a better job of listening
James 1: 19 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. 
I confess…I need to be better at this. You know this…I don’t like the silence. I will quickly fill it with my words. Not a great quality for a pastoral counselor/life coach. I am also way too impatience when I am listening to others. It’s like I want to speed up their thought and finish their sentence for them if they are struggling. Again….not a good quality for a counselor or coach. 
But I don’t think I’m alone in this. God’s been showing me how poorly we as believers are doing in truly listening to others. We’re not taking the time to truly listen.
So we want to help those who may be listening today how to take time to listen…to God and to others.

Acknowledge the Need for a Listening Heart.
Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: James 1:19 emphasizes the importance of actively listening before responding. This applies both to hearing from God and engaging with others.  
Pray for Discernment: Ask God to open your spiritual ears and grant wisdom in understanding His voice and the needs of those around you.
Create Space to Hear His Voice: Regular quiet time allows you to tune out distractions and better hear God's gentle promptings (Psalm 46:10). Be still and Know that I am God.
Sit in the Silence: Practice not saying the next words, at least for a while.  It’s not about not talking at all, it’s more about letting the thoughts of the other person be spoken without your immediate response.  
No Need to Share Your Story: Sit in their story and resist the desire to tell your similar or related story.  Ex. they tell a story about their troubled teen and you immediately are triggered about your own troubled teen and want to share your story.  Keep the focus on their story.  
Listen with Empathy and Compassion 
Seek to Understand: Try to see things from the other person's perspective. Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
Hebrews 10:24-25- And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Offer Support and Encouragement: Let your words and actions reflect Christ's love and compassion 
1 Thess 5:11. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Practice Active Listening: 
Avoid Clinical or Analytical Speak: 
Listen for God's Word in Scripture and Daily Life (Psalm 119:105)
Regular Bible Study: 
Seek God in All Things: 
Put Your Faith into Action: True listening involves responding to what you hear from God and others.
Be Obedient to God's Will: Seek to align your life with God's plan and purpose (Romans 12:1-2).
Serve Others with Humility: Use your listening skills to minister to the needs of those around you (Galatians 5:13).
Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice:  

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