1. Gaining wisdom by slowing down to hear the perspective of others.

2. Valuing others enough to be willing to slow down and hear them.

3. Valuing wisdom more than I value my own opinion (humility).

“Wisdom is primarily the ability to make right decisions. Wisdom is the ability to discern what the noble, constructive, God-honoring course of action would be in actual, real-life situations.”

In Jewish culture the proverbs would have been used to bring people together to get multiple perspectives on a particular point.

Answer before Listening

To answer before listening implies an arrogant attitude. It indicates that one is unwilling to be instructed or, in the case of interpersonal dealings, that one is prejudiced and unwilling to hear contrary opinions.

The ‘truth’ is never a reason not to listen to someone’s story.

- Mick C.

* to comprehend what one is hearing

* to listen and act upon what is heard

* to hear another person and carry that person with you

Listening with your whole being – you hear them audibly, you feel their message in your soul, you ponder it in your heart, and you process it for wisdom.

Maya Angelou stated “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

1. Am I attuned to what God is saying or desiring to do in this moment between us?

2. Am I attuned to the feelings and desires this person is expressing?

3. What is my attitude towards this person or their position

Not listening Speaks more about more about your maturity than it does about the matter you are speaking to

If you want to have influence you must first listen and be able to speak to the person and matter before you.

I believe this a time when we have an opportunity to follow the Spirit of God to come together as the people of God, loving God passionately and loving each other tangibly.

1. There has to be common place of connection for the different groups to come together.

2. You have to be able to get them to hold the tension that people can have different perspectives and experiences.

1. Pride – thinking too highly of yourself.

2. Contempt – thinking too little of others.

I believe this a time when we have an opportunity to follow the Spirit of God to come together as the people of God, loving God passionately and loving each other tangibly.

1. Pray to ask God to reveal your own heart towards people you are struggling to listen to.

2. Repent of any Pride or contempt you have towards others.

3. Ask God to give you compassion and discernment in listening to others who may have a different perspective than you.

4. Pray for Spirit led unity in the Body of Christ that transcends but honors the divine distinctives of ethnicity, gender, and generations.