THE ART OF LISTENING ATTENTIVELY
Listening attentively will help you develop important skills. It will also help you develop your relationship and gain opportunities to strengthen and grow.Theme Verse: Ephesians 5:29
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
TODAY'S ACTIVITY: LISTENING
Are you challenged by this facet of communication?
How well do you listen, really hear, take action and pay attention?
For most men this is an area they are challenged by- whether it is to sit still, follow instructions, take advice or simply listen.
Here are just some of the areas of concerns:
Taking care of health- taking medication, measures to stabilize their pressure/blood sugar and other ailments, exercise, diet and food restrictions, intake of alcohol or other substance abuse, appropriate rest/sleep
Taking Advice/instructions- reluctant because it's the wife/woman, prefer to listen to friends who may say the same things, precautionary measures on instincts of friends/associates or even business partners and deals, warnings that affect you and the relationship, ideas and suggestions for purchases...
To needs and preferences- does things selfishly not considering requests made, one sided discussions, very argumentative, not opened to trying new things, attentive to the hurt, pain, things that makes wife unhappy, fears or concerns, attention to the wife and children..... how she likes to keep the house, cleaning up after yourself and putting things in their place
Selective Listening - listen or only want to discuss the things that are important to you, twist conversation that is discussed, not paying attention and does something totally different, hears half the story then makes a judgement or critical remark, interrupts conversations abruptly
Additionally, are you listening to the actions, silence or even unspoken requests? Here are some scriptural and some loving personal advice:
James 1:19 (KJV)
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Proverbs 25:12 (KJV)
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Proverbs 1:5 King James Version (KJV)
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Paying close attention and not distracted by your thoughts or other activities will enhance your relationship.
Give your wife your full attention during a conversation.
If you do not understand ask her to repeat or rephrase for clarification
Be sensitive to the words that are not spoken by looking out for a tear, sadness, sighing, sleeplessness, hurt, stress etc..
A listening ear also means that you can offer support without words in the form of a nodding, positive facial expression...
Show that you are listening by watching into her eyes, being affectionate and restating your love to her with words or unspoken loving gestures.
Today, as you openly and honestly reflect on scriptures and loving advice take the time out to give your wife a hearing.
Take the time to listen to her needs and concerns without interrupting, except for clarification, and show her you care by demonstrating it in action.
Caution: Do not time her or say something negative- it's not what you say but how you say it. Do not defend but admit where you can do better.
An old adage states, "Listen. Perhaps this is why God gave us two ears and one mouth in the hopes that we’d listen twice as often as we speak."
Remember,
MARRIAGE IS A TEAM EFFORT-COMMON PURPOSE!
Don't be discouraged if she doesn't receive it at first or perhaps question your motive. Just do it- Break the silence!
Watch God in the next 28 days!
Please leave your comments, and help another brother by sharing our challenge
#28daystolovingmywife or www.twigscog.org
Taking the risk-training to enhance your marriage and give the next generation a change to emulate.
God Bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel
Selective Listening - listen or only want to discuss the things that are important to you, twist conversation that is discussed, not paying attention and does something totally different, hears half the story then makes a judgement or critical remark, interrupts conversations abruptly
Additionally, are you listening to the actions, silence or even unspoken requests? Here are some scriptural and some loving personal advice:
James 1:19 (KJV)
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Proverbs 25:12 (KJV)
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Proverbs 1:5 King James Version (KJV)
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Paying close attention and not distracted by your thoughts or other activities will enhance your relationship.
Give your wife your full attention during a conversation.
If you do not understand ask her to repeat or rephrase for clarification
Be sensitive to the words that are not spoken by looking out for a tear, sadness, sighing, sleeplessness, hurt, stress etc..
A listening ear also means that you can offer support without words in the form of a nodding, positive facial expression...
Show that you are listening by watching into her eyes, being affectionate and restating your love to her with words or unspoken loving gestures.
Today, as you openly and honestly reflect on scriptures and loving advice take the time out to give your wife a hearing.
Take the time to listen to her needs and concerns without interrupting, except for clarification, and show her you care by demonstrating it in action.
Caution: Do not time her or say something negative- it's not what you say but how you say it. Do not defend but admit where you can do better.
An old adage states, "Listen. Perhaps this is why God gave us two ears and one mouth in the hopes that we’d listen twice as often as we speak."
Remember,
MARRIAGE IS A TEAM EFFORT-COMMON PURPOSE!
Don't be discouraged if she doesn't receive it at first or perhaps question your motive. Just do it- Break the silence!
Watch God in the next 28 days!
Please leave your comments, and help another brother by sharing our challenge
#28daystolovingmywife or www.twigscog.org
Taking the risk-training to enhance your marriage and give the next generation a change to emulate.
God Bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel
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