Active Listening

Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man (Jesus) alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”

Matthew 27:19

There is no coincidence that Pilate’s wife, Claudia, was highlighted in Matthew 27:19. It’s one of the most critical times in all of history, and one man had one chance to heed his wife’s words. Pilate, who was considered a righteous man, suffered as a result of his decision.

Learning to actively listen is a skill most men aren’t born with, but it is something to be honed. It’s often more helpful than men realize. Gathering information of any form is always a bonus.

A man’s desire to bypass the 80-page instruction manual and fix it not only delays getting it fixed, but it fails to show your wife that you’re willing to work as a team even if it means listening to instructions.

Take the time to pray that God will change you to be a better listener. Give true, purposeful listening a try. These are a few reasons why it’s so critical to listen to your wife.

1. It shows love and respect.
2. It helps you to see a full perspective in a given situation.
3. It shows your patience and wisdom.
4. It teaches your sons how to value a woman and their future wife by honoring her words.
5. It shows your daughters how to expect to be treated and honored by men and their future husband.
6. It reveals the Christ in you.

Each is a unique gift from God, crafted specifically by the Creator of life to complement each other. Communication is God’s way of fellowshipping with us, and it’s His way for us to intimately know each other. Give active listening a try.

CALL TO ACTION:

Take the time to sit and talk with each other. More importantly, focus on listening, hearing, and processing what each other says. Try relaying back to your spouse, “What you are saying is…” or “This is how I interpret what you just said…”

We know it’s not a normal pattern of communications, but it will emphasize the point of transmitting, receiving, interpreting, and responding. You might be surprised by what you hear.