Listening

God comforts us in all of our afflictions so that we may truly be a comfort to those around us as we listen well. With so much going on around us, we see lots of people speaking, but not many taking the time to listen and care for the brokenhearted. Eric Thomas encourages us to take steps to become a better listener so that we might understand how we can better care and pray for those around us. Through a greater understanding of the pain and obstacles our brothers and sisters are facing, we can have a compassionate heart and help foster a dependence on God.

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”

Luke 4:18-21

 

The one who gives an answer before he listens—this is foolishness and disgrace for him.

Proverbs 18:13

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4