In this ever noisy and chaotic world we find ourselves in, I am finding the art of listening to be a dying skill. Have you noticed opinions and judgements seem to fly before we have even heard the views of others?
I am guilty of this myself and it is one of the areas I am asking God to give me wisdom and patience in conquering. I'm not sure if I have always been this way, or if the times we live in have made me more passionate and less tolerant to listening to differing world views and values. Having a gentle home and speaking words in anger cannot co exist for long.
Being a good and respectful listener doesn't mean you agree with the other person, it just means that you value everyones right to speak without spite and anger. An angry or hurtful response never softened another's view or opinion.
I am convinced that most of the division in our current culture would be eliminated if we could respectfully agree to disagree. I have the ability to choose how I react and respond to whatever the world throws at me and that includes differing values and beliefs.
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Of course, I can choose to surround myself exclusively with like minded people but how would I be a light on a hill? How would I offer a helping hand? How would I serve the sinner?
I realize this is a controversial and nuanced conversation especially if we throw our children in the mix. We must protect them as much as humanly possible. What they see cannot be unseen. But as adults, we need to do better at being kind in our cancel culture. We need to reflect Christ. He didn't condone but instead offered a hand up.
What are your thoughts on the subject? How do you stand your ground and hold your angry tongue? I'd love to hear.
Patty
"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20
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