We are often so busy speaking that we don't take time to listen. We are so quick to offer a comment - negative or positive - that we don't really "hear" our husband's heart. Remember: we have two ears and only one mouth. We need to listen more! As you continue in your 30-day challenge, not speaking negatively and focusing on positive encouragement, hear the Lord's admonition today: "Be swift to hear." If listening is a real problem for you, play a game with yourself. See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Day 9
"...be swift to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19b
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5 comments:
I am going to attempt the game she suggested--"See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question". I am so quick to go right for his jugular when Jim says something I don't like. Hopefully it won't be too quiet of an evening :)
I'm on the "find out something you don't know" trail. We have been married 29 years and while, by God's grace, we have grown together as a couple, we have also each grown and developed different areas of our lives. I need to be as interested in David's growth edges as my own.
I have always been a quiet listener by nature. Recently, though, I have found myself interrupting Keith more. In my case it's usually on one certain topic about which we both have the same strong convictions. Sometimes I can't seem to keep my mouth shut long enough to let him express his developing thoughts because I am so passionate about what I have to say in response or whatever. I have been feeling convicted about how my pride is playing into that. My goal will be to stop interrupting.
Poor Jim! (kidding) I think I can apply this to more than just my marriage, it is certainly one of my many faults... but I tried this yesterday a bit. It was a quiet evening but the mood was good, the responses were nice and we had a nice bible study together... which HE prompted!... only my God.
It's not only men who glaze over when their wives are talking. I've been known to do that when my hubby goes into explaining the details of something that doesn't interest me. This is a good reminder to treat him the way I would want to be treated and make an effort to listen to him and engage with him in his areas of interest.
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