ATTENTIVE

Whether we admit it or not we all long for someone to care for us and listen to us.  Sometimes, when we are speaking, we feel the person we are addressing is not listening to us and assume they do not care.  How many times have we offended God and others by not paying attention to what they have said?  Genuine relationships are built on listening to God and to others.

God knows us and listens to us, and His attention to our thoughts and prayers brings us comfort and stability in our daily lives. 

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.  (Psalm 34:15 NIV)

God wants to care for others through us. God’s Holy Spirit will help us listen attentively to what another is saying, so we can comfort and help that person discover the healing they may need.  Listening well is something we can all develop.  It begins with a willingness to stop being preoccupied with what we think and thus forcing the conversation to focus on what we have to say.  To be attentive we must stop speaking and listen carefully to what others have to say.  We must also quiet the voices in our head that have a response prepared before a person has finished saying what they are trying to convey to us.

Be humble. Value others more than yourselves. None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.  (Philippians 2:3-4 NIRV)

It takes undivided attention and effort to become interested in what someone is saying and really listen to what they are trying to share.  However, it is a wonderful way to let go of our attention seeking and express our love and care for the needs of someone else. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You listen to me every time I come to You and I know You care about what is going on in my life.  Help me to love as You love and give me the gift of a listening ear and an attentive heart to hear and concentrate on what another person wants to communicate.  My desire is to truly support those who share with me by being attentive and listening to them as they speak.  Amen