Have you had your JOY JUICE today? Never
minimize the importance of faithfully drinking in the JOY of the Lord!
It’s such a
comforting, encouraging feeling to have someone empathize with us rather than
minimizing our feelings. Don’t you think? When others confide in you and share their
feelings about what’s happening in their life, what they want most is a
listening ear….not a diagnosis of everything they are doing wrong. Most of the time, they don’t even want your
opinion! They just need to vent about what’s on their heart and mind.
Proverbs
14:10 says, “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share
its joy.” (NLT) Even when we
think we know how someone feels, there is truly no one except God that truly
understands. But…we can empathize with others and listen, lovingly and
non-judgmentally. Only when we are asked for an opinion should we give it…and
then we should choose our words carefully.
I spent
many years in the public school system as School Counselor. In working with students and with parents, I
found that most of them simply needed someone to listen. I certainly didn’t
have all the answers to their problems.
But I could give them the gift of time, by listening to them pour out
their hearts.
(Kay Warren quote) “When we listen to others
with compassion, without assuming we know what they are thinking or feeling,
without judging or criticizing, we add joy to their lives.”
Be on the look-out today for
that person God will send your way that simply needs a listening ear. Give them
this gift of JOY!
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