We've been talking about our speech - how we can improve it, control it, or redirect it using The 4 Rules of Communication. Keep in mind that communication really has 2 components: talking and listening. Bad speech isn't the only cause of bad communication -- it can sometimes be the result of bad listening.

        Good communication really has 2 requirements: it requires both God-honoring and people-edifying speech as well as good listening. Since we have been focused on talking I wanted to share 3 points about developing good listening habits.

        A. Point #1: good listening requires a conscious effort on the part of         the listener to receive a message (both verbal and non-verbal) with         the purpose of understanding what is being communicated.

        B. Point #2: good listening increases wisdom; good listening allows         and helps ensure a proper response to ideas and thoughts that are         communicated to us; and good listening nurtures relationships.

        C. Point #3: good listening involves at least 5 things:

                1. It involves a humble attitude.

                2. It involves letting the other person speak without interruption.

                3. It involves giving the other person your undivided attention.

                4. It involves taking the time and effort to really understand what                 the other person is saying.

                5. Finally: good listening involves responding with empathy and                 understanding about what the other person is communicating.

        Let's purpose in 2008 to consistently practice The 4 Rules of Communication, and let's also purpose to learn to be a good listener. Don't forget: an excellent resource in the area of improving our communication skills is the book War of Words by Dr. Paul Tripp.

        Pastor John