Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.A true listener.........
* Does not interrupt. Interrupting communicates, "What I have to say is more important than what you have to say."
* Invites you to tell her more with words such as, "How did that make you feel?"
* Affirms the speaker with words such as, "Yes, I see." A true listener pays attention not only to the words of the speaker, but also to the emotions that drive the words.
* Does not offer a solution unless asked. "What you should be is ...." This minimizes the person's problems and makes it appear that you have all the answers. In other words, the person feels worse than before they confided the problem.
* Does not judge. For example, "That was a terrible way to act."
* Does not argue. It is better to be kind than correct when listening to someone pour out her heart.
* Listens for the emotions behind the words in addition to the words themselves. "That must have been painful for you."
Just attended some talks on Biblical counselling and also practised it. Fully agreed that it is better to be kind than correct when listening to someone who pour out her heart, her emotions behind the words in addition to the words themselves.
ReplyDeletePrayer is an integral part of bilical couselling.