Against the Tideنموونە

How to Stand Against the Tide: LISTENING

How can we know how to defend our faith if we do not know what we are defending it against? 

Think of a time when you disagreed with someone. While you held a different opinion from the other person, did you listen to their viewpoint? Did the other person listen to yours? A lot can be learned and accomplished when one spends more time listening than speaking. 

As Dr. Lennox explained in today’s video, his parents encouraged him to learn about other beliefs so that he could approach other’s viewpoints without “narrow-minded bigotry.” As Christians, how can we lead people to Christ without knowing where they are coming from in their own faith journey? In this tense, divisive culture, it can be easy to forget the importance of showing empathy and love to someone without agreeing with or supporting their worldview. As a result, you will have a better perspective on where they are coming from and how to humbly explain your faith to them in a more personalized and relatable way. May we represent Christ well by balancing listening intentionally to others with standing boldly against the tide. 

Talk It Over:

1.  How do you feel when you can tell someone is really listening to you? 

2.  Have you ever been interrupted when sharing your viewpoint with someone who disagreed? How did you feel? And how can you avoid doing that to others? 

3.  How often do you take time to listen to someone else that you don’t agree with?