My friend, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. It sounds simple enough, but it is a way of relating to others that is nearly impossible to master. It is so difficult because you have a natural tendency to want to be right in all things, and listening seems counterproductive when you already have the answers that satisfy you. Consequently, in your youth, you will surely be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. Such behavior will only push people away from you, and I doubt that is what you want. I urge you to remember these sayings: Poor listening rejects, but good listening understands, and poor listening diminishes, but good listening lifts up. Thankfully, if it is your goal, you will get better at listening with time.
Good listening requires discipline, concentration, patience, and intentionality, qualities that will come to you slowly but surely if you seek them. I urge you to become a patient and attentive listener. Listening is an important aspect of the Christian walk. You cannot attend to others if you do not hear their needs. It is not just about hearing the words that are spoken to you, but truly listening with an open heart and mind. You should be more interested in listening to others with the goal of understanding than in planning your response. Listening is not about making yourself heard; rather, it is about gaining a profound understanding. When listening with an open heart and mind, you can deepen your relationships with others and gain a better understanding of their needs, hurts, and perspectives — insight you should have if you are to be helpful. Remember, you cannot share good news with anyone who avoids you if you are known to dominate conversations or listen carelessly.
Listening is also an essential component of your relationship with God. By taking the time to listen to God in prayer and meditation, you will gain a deeper understanding of his will and guidance for your life. It is a discipline that requires much practice, but once developed it can bring great benefits to your daily interactions and your spiritual growth. Will God speak directly to you? I do not know. But I strongly believe he speaks to us through his Word. If the Bible is God-breathed, and I believe that it is, then it may as well be him speaking to you as you read it.
The purpose of the Scriptures is to inspire hope in you through the promises and comfort they offer to those who live for God. Everything that was written was written to teach you so that through the encouragement of the Scriptures, you might become fully equipped, able to teach the Gospel to others and to discourage its opposers. When reading your Bible, listen to what it says!
I pray that you listen well, both to God and man, and glorify God in all other things that you hear and answer to. Amen.
