"Being heard" is so close to "being loved" that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.
Pastor Adam's message this week focused on the "L" of the BLESS acronym. If you recall, last week Pastor Adam taught us about the "B" which is to begin with prayer. Today we learned that the "L" in the acronym is for listen. Do you listen to others closely and well? Have you ever considered that it is a tangible way to love others well, and to "help people find and follow Jesus" as the mission statement of Rockhills states? When people feel unheard they feel unknown. If they feel unknown by you, why would they be interested in the Jesus you talk about or the church you invite them to? Think about it: do you feel loved when someone pays close attention and listens well to what you are saying? Do you feel more known and seen? Listening well is a powerful ministry of Jesus to others.
INVITATION: This week we take a look at the life of Jesus and how BEGIN WITH PRAYER and LISTEN go hand in hand. Pastor Adam shared an acronym a mentor suggested to him years ago about a key aspect of listening. That acronym might be helpful to you this week as you seek to listen well: W.A.I.T. = why am I talking?
MONDAY: Proverbs 13:8: In a version called the CEV, this verse reads: "It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen." Isn't that what most of us are often doing when someone else is talking? We are thinking through what our answer will be and likely even interrupt to give it. Practice listening well today. To everyone. Even when you already know what they are going to say or where the conversation is going. Even if you can finish their sentences. Even if the other person is a toddler. Practice a "hard stop" in all these situations and choose to love well by listening well. Then, you are invited at the end of the day to do an inventory. Think back over your day and see where you sensed Jesus. Were you resistant anywhere? What might Jesus be showing you through all this? Did you sense peace? Did the other person respond to you being a good listener? Who knows but what this might be the first step in the other person being drawn to Jesus?
TUESDAY: Luke 18:35-40: Jesus' schedule at that moment did not include a blind beggar. Jesus could have thought he had "places to go, people to see and things to do." He listened to the blind beggar. The same blind beggar that all the other people around were trying to make be quiet. They were "shushing" him. Jesus seemed to be listening with more than just his ears. He heard the "heart cry" of the blind beggar. Today, try to "hear" what is going on behind and beyond the words of someone you come in contact with. What is that like for you? What was the other person's response? Can you rest in the fact that you showed that person Jesus? Who knows what future opportunities God might bring from this simple loving act of you listening well - beyond the words that are spoken.
WEDNESDAY: John 5:6-8: Jesus has a pattern of STOP. ASK. LISTEN. Take that pattern into your day today as you come across other people. Have you ever given thought to some good questions that might help get to the heart of other people? "Love your neighbor as yourself" can be lived out in little things. By beginning with prayer, and then being intentional about listening, you will be going into your home, your family and into your community as a missionary. You will be "helping people find and follow Jesus" in some very loving and tangible ways. Do you find this encouraging or threatening? How might you pray about all this today? You are not alone! Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you HIS power today as you seek to listen well.
THURSDAY: Acts 17:21-23: Paul walked around Athens and "listened" to the people before meeting with them. Have you ever tried to get to know the heart and soul of a person before actually talking with them or meeting with them? How might that play out in your life today. Or this week? Are you willing to ask God for opportunities?
FRIDAY: Isaiah 55:1-2: Besides listening to others, we want to be in tune and listening to GOD. Pastor Adam talked about ways to hear God. He gave a practical application using Scripture (since we know God speaks through His Word). For the verses above, ask these questions: 1) What do these verses tell me about God? 2) What do these verses tell me about mankind? 3) What do these verse tell me about ME? 4) Putting your name in the blank, listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to you: "_________, I want you to know this......." Perhaps this is a good tool to take into your daily time in Scripture?
SATURDAY: "Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life." (Dallas Willard). Hurry and distraction are diseases of the soul. How might you STOP this week and listen to God? How might you STOP this week and listen to others? Think about what type of listening makes you feel loved and known and begin to practice that with other people this week. You WILL be helping them "find and follow Jesus" and you will experience the truth that the basics are a great place to start!