Offense. If we listen closely enough, eventually we will be offended. Certain words and attitudes can so easily trace over the listener’s healed scars with surgical precision, re-opening old wounds. Old wounds can become plugs that stick in our ears to keep us from listening.
Overcome this barrier by continually reminding yourself that all offenses—whether suffered or committed—are nailed to the cross of Christ. Practice forgiving others and yourself. If an offense keeps coming to mind in your pastoral work, take it to a trusted friend who can pronounce forgiveness over you and who can be a listener for you. Draw strength from the fact that Christ is never shocked at what you’re listening to. We confess that Christ descended into hell and emptied it of its power. How can this truth empower you to forgive yourself and pronounce forgiveness over others?
Scarcity. Not only does listening take time, it also takes skill, practice, and emotional bandwidth. If I am finding myself without the resources to do what Christ has asked me to do, then it might be that I am not doing what he has asked me to do. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Overcome this barrier to listening by practicing the means of grace—allow God to grow your soul. At the same time, diligently inquire of him whether you are doing all—neither too little, nor too much—that he has asked you to do. Where do you need to grow (skill, practice, emotional strength) to become a better listener?
This article originally appeared here.
