Value of Horizontal Listening

Vertically, we’re directed, yeah commanded to listen. Proverbs chapter one has the word “listen” four times. Proverbs is called the book of wisdom and discipline. Listen to to the tenets of Proverbs and you’ll be a wiser and more disciplined person.

Jesus emphasized listening when he often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” Matthew records this in 11:15; 13:9 and 43. In the last book of the Bible, The Revelation, Jesus concludes His messages to the churches with “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Found in Revelation, chapters two and three.)

I wonder if Jesus saw the same problem then as we see now. Listening is not a natural strength of most people. Our minds are busy. Noise detracts. Goals consume our thinking. We’d prefer talking over listening. We think ahead to what we’ll say rather than pay attention to whom we should be listening.

The question arises, “What is so important about listening?” Examine with me the horizontal – one human listening to another.

When we are listened to, something in our mental processing kicks in. Ideas grow. Creative thinking expands. We think more appropriately positive about ourselves. When I listen, people enjoy being with me. Most like to talk about themselves. Others do their thinking out loud and formulate ideas verbally. In listening I “co-create” with them.

I learn about them to build relationship. I learn from them – their mistakes not to repeat, their victories to emulate.

As we listen to our spouse, to our parents, to our children, to those we love and to those we prefer not being around, we benefit. An atmosphere of respect, trust and honor is created. In that environment affirmation, understanding, appreciation and validation is fostered. When we are truly being listened to, our self esteem ratchets up a good notch or two.

It has been said that the true listener is much more beloved than the talker, and he/she is more effective and learns more and does more good.

The value of horizontal listening. More tomorrow on “listening” - vertically