Formula for handling people:
- Listen to the other person’s story.
- Listen to the other person’s full story.
- Listen to the other person’s story first. George Marshall
I must admit, this short quote stopped me in my tracks. How often I think I’ve been a good listener; yet I’ve zoned out when something the speaker said reminded me of a similar story in my own life. Or, maybe I wasn’t really all that interested in what they had to say, so I only listened halfheartedly. Jesus listened with His whole being, heard everything spoken, and heard so much more than words – and changed people’s lives.
I think I’ll quit “speaking” now, so I can practice listening like Jesus. Won’t you join me?
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry NIV
