Friends listen

Oh, that you would be silent, and it would be your wisdom! – Job 13:5

It is about 9 in the evening. My wife Ginny and I are sitting in our living room. I’m reading a book. Suddenly she says, "Honey, I want to talk with you for a few minutes." She begins to talk – then she abruptly asks, "Are you listening?"

I’m tempted to reply, "Of course I am. I’m only two feet away from you." But actually my mind is still on what I’m reading. I need to close the book and give my full attention to what Ginny is saying. She deserves that from me.

Job too was frustrated because his friends weren’t paying attention to what he was saying to them. He sensed that while he was talking they were planning their next response. They were bent on trying to convince him that his suffering was punishment for sin in his life. They were not listening to the deep cry of Job’s heart.

Many of us are poor listeners too. Teenagers can be frustrated because their parents always have a quick answer, when actually they just want someone to listen to their struggles and accept them. One teen said, "Sometimes I would just like to talk until I know what I want to say."

Deep relationships are built on acceptance, understanding, and being a good listener. – Herbert Vander Lugt

When our friends encounter suffering,

We can help them if we’re near;

Some may need a word of comfort,

Others just a listening ear. – Sper

READ: Job 13:1-9

Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.