Leadership Thought: The Power of the Listening Ear.

Dear Friends

Tucked away in Romans is a verse that recently caught my attention.  I have a lot of verses on encouragement underlined in my bible because I think encouragement is so important. It is a gift that everyone needs, while at the same time, it is the gift that everyone has the power to give. Paul writes in Romans 14:19 “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify  another.”

The word edify means to build one up.  As leaders we should always be looking for opportunities to build people up, not beat them down. We should be firelighters, encouraging others and spurring them on, and not firefighters, dousing dreams and dampening spirits.

As leaders let us look for every occasion to encourage and edify others, especially   when we see them doing something positive. Let us also  expect the best from them for how true it is that people often live up to the expectations we place upon them.

But another way we can build others up is by being good listeners. One of the best ways you can demonstrate God’s love for someone is by listening with your heart to hear the ways you might be able to meet their needs. When you are listening with your heart, you are loving, and there is not much difference between love and listening, for they are inextricably linked together. Listening to someone shows respect for them. It communicates they are important, and that you think they have something of value to offer.

Mother Teresa, when once  asked what she said during her prayers, she replied, “I listen.” The reporter then asked, “Well then, what does God say?” Mother Teresa answered with a smile, “God listens.” Listening is love and if  the God of love listens to our very own hearts, how much more do  we need to listen with our hearts to  the hurts and hopes of others. You and I can make a difference today in someone's life, and all this is needed is a couple of listening ears.

Yours in faith and friendship,
Pastor Tom