Asking and Listening
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Sometimes the actions of others can be perplexing, vexing and even enraging. We ask, how could they do or say something like that? Or why are they like that?
I think it’s important first to remind ourselves that each person is unique, both spiritually and biologically and that some of what bothers us isn’t a matter of us being right and them being wrong, but just the fact that they are different and do things differently than us.
But here’s something else that’s worth remembering. Knowledge changes our perspective and understanding and often we gain knowledge by asking questions and listening.
Think of the people who irritate, enrage or perplex you the most. Have you ever really gotten to know them by asking genuine and sincere questions and then listening to their story?
This won’t eradicate all friction because human relationships are challenging. But understanding opens our eyes and diminishes the chasm that keeps us from seeing and loving people for who they are. It helps us to bridge the gap between our differences and build supportive and unified relationships.
Don’t misunderstand, we never condone degrading, demeaning or dangerous behaviors, but even then, we stand a far greater chance of helping even the most degenerate by asking questions and listening and then loving them back to love, light and Jesus.
