Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:9
“Everyone has a story to tell. Generous listening is about sitting still and hearing the story… giving them the floor…the talking stick. When we listen generously we may ask for clarification, but must always encourage the speaker forward with their story…
A generous listener listens patiently and carefully. A generous listener doesn’t jump to conclusions. A generous listener doesn’t judge. A generous listener doesn’t focus on the personal cost of the speech. A generous listener encourages the speaker to speak. A generous listener asks for and encourages clarity on the part of the speaker in a spirit of kindness and love. A generous listener is ultimately seeking wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, Gods miracles, discernment, and understanding…
Generous listening not only helps us to be a blessing to others who need to sort out life but it refreshes life for us as well.
Generous listening holds the promise of another blessing for the listener: If you listen long enough, you just might learn something new…
Our service to our Lord, born out of gratitude to Him and love for Him, can only proceed through His power when we are in meaningful relationship with Him.
So how do we create and maintain a meaningful relationship with our Lord. Generous listening.”
Milton Sanders, excerpts from a sermon entitled Generous Listening delivered at Crossroads Church, La Paz, Mexico, on 1 January 2012.
For the manuscript, visit: www.crossroadslapaz.org/doc/20120101.pdf