How we listen has a great deal to do with what we understand and retain.  If we listen with an open, clear conscience, we are more likely to grasp the point that the speaker is trying to make.  Is there an offense between you and the speaker?  You will not be able to hear clearly.  Are you trying to gain the speaker's approval, respect, attention?  You will not hear what he is saying, only what you want to hear.  Are you more concerned about what you want to say in response than what the speaker is saying?  Are you distracted by your opinion of what the speaker is saying?  Are you supposing you know what is going to be said before it is said?  Then, in all likelihood, you have not heard so you will not understand and you will end up not knowing.

Listen with your ears, your mind, your eyes and your heart.  Engaging in conversation or sitting under a teacher is about learning and connecting.  We determine how we will listen which, in turn, determines what we will learn and retain.  Learning is also about developing or improving a relationship with the speaker.  Jesus not only wants those who had ears to hear to hear but to learn of Him and develop a relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father.  He wants us to hear and know the truth so we can be free from deception.  He wants us to live by the things He taught us so we can have a life free from the slavery to sin.  Who you listen to is as important as what you listen to.  Listen carefully!  Think about it.


Categories: forgiveness