The ministry of the ear

I have learnt a lesson.

I have learnt that listening carries very precious currency and empowers one. In the race to outspeak each other people tend to take leave of their senses and the one who restrains self from swimming those murky waters finds themselves in a vantage position to see, weigh, gauge and soberly steer away from raging issues.

I have learnt that to listen in the barrage of words gives one insight. 

Words said in anger tend not reflect the true characters of the people whose anger is being directed at but there is still a truth in the words of anger. In the words of anger is a true reflection of what the enraged person thinks of the person they are directing their anger at.

I have listened to leaders vent their anger at their perceived enemies. At worst insults that have nothing to do about the leadership skills of the persons who are being insulted will be used. Their wives will be demeaned and sexual mistakes profiled but their leadership acumen not mentioned. 

To those that listen it would simply mean the insulting party has chosen below the belt because they cannot afford the poker face dare me game. 

It is those who will listen that will hear the unspoken message.

The woman at the well had to listen to Jesus for her to know who she was, but most importantly , what she could be, she had had many husbands and was even staying with someone’s spouse but listening opened the avenue to an inner introspection that led her to cast off the societal scorn and go on to be the one who called the city to the Messiah.             John‬ ‭4:16-18, 20-21, 23-26, 39-40, 42‬ ‭NIV‬‬      http://bible.com/111/jhn.4.16-18,20-21,23-26,39-40,42.niv

When Shimei threw dust and insulted the humiliated and fleeing King David , the body guards wanted to kill him but the King chose to listen to the regal spirit in him and restrained the aides from murdering the insulting man. Years later Shimei had to eat his words.  ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭16:5-7, 9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬  http://bible.com/111/2sa.16.5-7,9-10.niv

So, when the storms rage, accusations pile, afflictions assail and insults fly, listen to the unsaid words. They will give you a greater introspection, they will teach you more than the hurt of the insults. 

Listen and do not race to outdo the other party.

The ministry of the ear will see you through.

It is those who listen who will hear the unspoken message.

Listen.