Lord, Help Me Listen

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

Proverbs 18:13

Are you a reactor or a responder? More often than I like to admit, I behave like a reactor. Even though my heart is loaded with care for others, sometimes I blurt out a response impulsively and interrupt others. I regret not pausing to think or quiet my spirit. “Lord, I want to become a responder, one who carefully monitors what comes out of my mouth so that my words and how I say them show respect and care for others.”

God’s Word is so practical! Its truths hits me right between the eyes, one more example of how His Word really is “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). I am thankful that He uses it to convict me of sin as well as to encourage my pink socks off!

Have you ever spouted off before listening—especially when you are in a hurry? Sometimes my brain is rapidly connecting lots of dots as a sweet person is talking, and I am afraid I am going to forget something, and I don’t want the thought to be gone forever. That’s different from when I spout off in anger, which is downright sinful.

A few days ago we looked at how Jesus lovingly forgave Peter after Jesus’ impulsive disciple denied Him three times. Peter had assured Jesus that he would never deny Him, but sure enough, he did—just as impulsively as when he claimed he never would. Peter’s weakness and Jesus’ response to him gives me comfort. Peter’s norm was to be a reactor, but Jesus was a master at being a gracious Responder.

God is at work in me. God is at work in sweet you. He wants us to reflect Him and bring glory to Him. “Lord, I long to be a better listener—to You and to others. It starts and ends with You, Lord. I need You!”

Today let’s purpose in our hearts to be listeners who respond instead of being impulsive reactors. Read John 10:27 and ask God to make that true for you.