Have you ever had this experience?  You are having a conversation with a friend and the conversation stays pleasant, but later you find out that the person was going through a very hard time, and you never had a clue.  I understand this could be as they want it, but I hate to think my friend didn’t feel safe or comfortable sharing their burden with me. 

We are called to love people and much of that is being in relationship with them to share one another’s burdens.

Gal 6:2  Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. NLT

I honestly don’t remember what preceded this journal entry, but I suspect it was a similar scenario. 

From the journal . . . . December 1993

Lord, help me to be easy to talk to.  I’ll need to wait on this a bit and hear from You.  So, I waited.

And I Believe God Said:

Practice listening. Be patient.  Hold your peace. Hold your tongue.  Most things don’t require a quick answer. 

James 1:19. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  NLT
Prov 10:19 In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. 
 

You can love, and even encourage without words.  This takes self-control on your part.  Practice it.  I will help you and train you if you look to Me.  Be quick to help when asked but be wise.  Ask the person how you can help.  Maybe you will be agreeable to what they need and maybe you won’t but ask before you offer your solution to their problem.  Hold your peace means hold onto the peace that I give to you. Don’t panic.  Don’t rush.

Prov 18:20-21 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    the right words bring satisfaction.
²¹ The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Ps 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Thank You, Lord.  You are the answer to everything and Your love for Your children is limitless!

Being a good listener is harder for some people than it is for others, but it’s a very important skill.  People need to be heard, and sometimes just talking things out with a listening friend or family member is all the ‘help’ that’s needed.  Obviously, what you hear from them directs how you can help and pray for them.  Good relationships need to be reciprocal and that requires talking and listening!