DINNER - HURRY UP AND LISTEN!

I n t r o d u c t i o n

• Has there been a time when you really felt listened to?
• How did that feel?
• What did they do that made you feel heard?

B i g P i c t u r e

When we begin discussing the deeper aspects of life, it's time to listen more than we speak.

B i b l e P a s s a g e

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"- James 1:19 (NIV)

"Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues."- Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

"The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly." - Proverbs 12:23 (NIV)

"The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues."- Proverbs 17:27-28 (NIV)

"Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone."- Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

K e y T r u t h s

1. When it comes to speaking, the message of Proverbs over and over again is – less is more!

2. Words with restraint, managed with patience, can change even the mind of a king! A gentle tongue can break a bone. Imagine what a gentle word could do to a hard heart?

3. The more we talk, the greater the chance to sin; the more we listen, the more patient we become, and the more we can draw people out and help them see their need for Jesus.

4. Listening is an active skill that can take time to practice and perfect.

Thoughts?

A p p l i c a t i o n

When we reach the point of discussing the deeper aspects of life, such as morality and values. Our temptation is to start looking for the chink in the armour to prove our friend wrong, or to look for an opening to wedge in the gospel of Jesus. Instead, imagine what would happen if we just listened. Listened not to work out our following argument, but listened to understand.

• Why does my friend believe this? How does it make sense of the world?
• Why is this belief attractive or a comfort?
• What is it about this belief that is noble or good?
• What might they find hard about Jesus? What might they love about Jesus?

P r a y e r

Pray for patience and a gentle tongue. Pray that we would be slow to speak and quick to listen to our colleagues.