1886) One thing I’ve learned in the last couple of years is it’s important to listen to others’ stories. What does this mean? When others tell me of what’s going on in their lives, I need to listen, which involves more than just my ears. I need to take in what’s being said and connect with it. How is this possible?  

It involves listening with empathy. Taking in their feelings of joy, grief, disappointment or love and experiencing it with them. This requires unselfishness and no judgment. We simply respond to what is being shared.

Philippians 2:4 tells us to be focused on other’s interests in addition to our own. The Greek word for interests in this context is hé, which can be translated as circumstances.  

Helping a person feel they’ve been heard is a valuable gift we can give. Will you give it?