We thank you for encouraging us through praying for us, keeping up with our prayer calendar, serving couples alongside us, and/or giving to Basic Idea Ministries – BIM. As we approach the end of the year some look for ways to invest in ministries, and we graciously ask that you pray about helping us continue supporting ministries in the USA, Mexico, Honduras, Romania, Bosnia, and Pakistan. We have ministry partners in these and other countries to whom we send regular support and where we have helped with marriage ministry.
Also, Carol and I want you to know how grateful we are for your taking time to read these weekly articles (any of them). Our desire is to encourage you, teach and equip where the need exists, and to give you conversation starters for your relationships. We believe that as we learn to listen well, respond wisely, and show genuine care, we can bring health and healing to marriages, friendships, and families.
It looks something like this:
A. Ask better questions. Rather than “How was your day?”, we might ask, “Would you tell me something about your day that was encouraging or positive?”
B. Be Attentive: When the other person is talking, listen well using eye contact and body posture that indicates interest.(That’s right, we’ll have to put our phone down 🙂
C. Continue the Conversation: Ask a follow up question or comment. Follow Up: “Would you tell me more about that so I can understand better?’ Comment: That sounds like fun (if positive) or “I am so sorry that happened to you” (if negative or reveals hurt).
You might be surprised how much better a relationship can be when we invest wisely, simply in having better conversations.
Read the scripture:
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Proverbs 17:28
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
(My note: sometimes it is better to be quiet a little longer and listen rather than feeling like we have to say something, anything.)
Listening to understand is a sign of true humility.