Listening is an important part of connecting with and learning from others whether it is from friends or boss. Learning to listen prepares us to understand the lives and needs of others, as well as to build up communication, trust and even empathy or compassion. For my boss, I listen carefully to their instructions not because of the salary they give to me every month, but it is my duty to protect them, which I’m happy to do. I listen to the word of God too. Matthew 25:40 says “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” I always try to live out what God says. As I listen to the reading of the Bible attentively, I am guided properly in my daily life.
— Erlinda Avenido
When we listen to others, it was a process of receiving, understanding, remembering and responding to what has been told. A good listener must be able to not only hear the words, but most importantly to understand. With the right comprehension comes right response and right action. That explains why listening is so important. And before we could truly listen, we have to be silent and patiently wait until the other party is done. Considering people around us, we can be good listeners to them by giving our full attention. It encourages them to elaborate more and start to feel that they are being heard.
In our context as an overseas worker, listening and understanding is very crucial to get the instructions right from our employers. If we don’t get it at once, we could politely ask them to repeat it, for both parties need to understand and be understood.
If we are good listeners, it will foster meaningful relationships not only with other people but with God as well. We can listen to his voice better with the silence of our hearts as what Mother Teresa once said, “In the silence of the heart, God speaks.”
— Tita Borgoños
Listening is a skill. To be a good listener is a gift. I always remind myself to pay attention to the speaker. With respect and interest I open my ears and mind in order to understand what he is talking about. I focus on the topic and avoid distractions. I take notes and I don’t interupt but I ask necessary questions at the right time. I review my notes and draw lessons that I can apply in my personal life. Similarly, I listen to God by hearing his words through the sermons of priests during Masses. I also listen to God by reading the Bible and reflecting on it on a daily basis. As a choir member, I respond to God through the songs I sing from my heart to praise, thank and glorify his holy name.
— Crisanta Carbonel
In order to be a good listener to people around me, I try to be compassionate and attentive to their feelings. And if it’s my turn to speak I share the comforting words of God that I have, straight to the point: if God is your only reason to live, you don’t have any reason to give up. Jesus died for you and me, so we live for him.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
I always listen carefully to my employer, but I am aware that I am not perfect, and no one is. I can make mistakes, so I apologise and learn from the mistake and I do my best not to make the same mistakes and pray to God to help me. There are times we fail to listen clearly to what is being told to us. It is either we are distracted or tired. Or our minds are focussed on some problems. That is why we need presence of mind specially when the person sharing with us has emotional problems and seek our advice.
— Rosemarie Enitorio
Listening is an action that requires thoughtful attention. To become a good listener to people around us, we should be a good listener first to our Creator — our God, by spending time in God’s Word every day. Being a good listener allows us to reflect, to learn, to grow and to love more. God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. That we should listen more and talk less.
— Riza Molina
T
o be a good listener, I should first have some knowledge on the subject matter, the speaker and the place. Having an idea of these basics would help me get new ideas and stay focused. These would help both the speaker and the listener get a better result out of the discussion. If I cannot understand, I will ask for clarifications and give some honest comments instead of making complaints.
— Jeana Versula
