The discipline of listening

“The Scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery;and when they had set her in the midst,they say unto Him,Master,this woman was taken in adultery;in the very act.Now Moses in the law commanded us,that such should be stonef:but what sayest thou?This they said tempting Him,that they might have to accuse Him.But Jesus stooped down,and with His finger wrote on the ground,as though He heard them not.So when they continue asking Him,He lifted up Himself,and said unto them,He that is without sin among you,let him first cast a stone at her.And again He stooped down,and wrote on the ground.And they which heard Him,been convicted by their own conscience,went out one by one,beginning at the eldest,even unto the last:and Jesus was left alone,and the woman standing in midst.When Jesus had lifted up Himself,and saw none but the woman,He said unto her,woman,where are those things accusers?hath no man condemned thee?She said,no man Lord.And Jesus said unto her,neither do I condemn thee:go,and sin no more.”

When you listen,you will hear more than what is being said.Why do you think Jesus was writing down while the people were talking?He was listening to God (Jn .5:30).Why do you think the Bible says we should be quick to hear,but slow to speak? ( Jam.1:19).It is to enable you to process what is being said and hear from your inner man.

Beloved,there is a great difference between hearing and listening.Look at what Jesus said about being dull at heart and hard of hearing (Matt.13:15) .He is saying that there is a hearing you will hear and you will be healed or liberated.

CULTIVATING LISTENING ATTITUDES:

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By being thirsty and hungry to hear Him (Ps.63:1 ,Matt.5:6).

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By waiting on the Lord like a waiter (Hab.2:1-2, Is.40:30-31).

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By being still before Him (Ps.4:4, 46:10).

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By being attentive (Acts 3:4-7).