To Listen Is to Love

To answer before listening—  that is folly and shame.     
                                              Proverbs 18:13   NIV

And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.           1 John 4:21  NIV

   Love is about treating someone like they have great value to you.  One of the best ways to show someone that you value them is to listen to them.

   This week, share love with someone by taking the time to listen to them.  Put down your phone.  Set aside your book or whatever task you are working on and give someone your undivided attention.  You may want to start your conversation by asking them to tell you about something in their life that they are happy about right now.  As they answer your question, ask more questions to try to understand why this is important to them.  Listen carefully for other things you can learn and affirm in this person.  The more you listen, the more they will feel that you value them.