Listening: An Act of Kindness

A fourth essential principle for effective communication is listening attentively or deliberately to others as they relay their message. Exercising this skill is a necessity because most individuals are selective listeners and biased in what they hear. When an inconsistency occurs between what is heard and what is acceptable, conflict may quickly reveal itself.

Research has discovered we’re capable of speaking up to 175 words per minute, while our ability to listen is in the neighborhood of 600 words per minute. However, listening becomes difficult if we permit our thoughts to jump ahead, trying to analyze the motive and purpose of the speaker or compose our response.

Kindness is authenticated as we deliberately and empathically listen when another person is speaking. This is necessary for catching the complete meaning of the message being communicated. Kindness, motivated by appreciation, reflects the heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ, who listens to our need to connect with him. 

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Ears that hear and eyes that see – we get our basic equipment from God!

~Proverbs 20:12 The Message

 And Jesus concluded, “Listen, then, if you have ears!”

~Mark 4:9 Good News Bible

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