LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING
Sirach 11:7-8
Do not find fault before you examine a situation.
First, understand it, and then make your judgment.
Do not answer before you have listened,
And do not interrupt someone while he is talking.
Personal Challenge
Such great words of wisdom from Sirach that can be applied to every aspect of our lives. It is so easy to step into a situation and immediately begin to form opinions, make judgments, and assign fault. we are told here to start by examining the situation. This often takes a lot of time and effort but is necessary to truly understand what has gone on leading up to the situation as well as what is truly going on at this point in time. We have a tendency to jump to conclusions without all of the facts. The second instruction is one that I know needs to be worked on in my life. we need to spend more time listening to the other person and try to hear what they are saying before we open our mouths. And it is really not possible to be formulating our response and listen at the same time. It is also not treating the other person with love and respect if we interrupt them while they are speaking. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, forgive me for doing this all too often and have mercy on me, the sinner!
No comments:
Post a Comment