The right word at the right time
is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend’s timely reprimand
is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
Proverbs 25:12 (The Message)
God speaks to us through various means. As we hear or read HIS Word, the Holy Spirit may illuminate a portion of Scripture which becomes applicable to our recent prayer request. At other times, while in conversation with a family member or friends, words are spoken which likewise pertains to something that has been troubling us. As I grow older, I find myself more and more listening to others as they speak. Why? Because God may be speaking through them.
Knowing this, I find myself caring more for the person who is speaking. And by caring, I am listening intently to the person’s words, attitude, and actions. I find myself actually forgetting the self for a moment, and turning full attention toward the person. In hindsight, the person becomes my one-minute love interest.
The person could be a close friend or a total stranger. But as I listen, the person unconsciously becomes aware that someone else cares for them. In that minute, they experience the love of being a child of God and capture the value and worth of simply being human. Not because of their societal position, economic status, or public fame, but only because someone without selfish intent truly wants to hear and understand the person.
When someone in conversation hears the right word at the right time is like receiving a piece of fine jewelry as a gift. It comes as a total surprise. Yet its impact is a memory that lasts forever.
You may be that person who God speaks through for another. Or you may be the person who receives a needed word in a time of distress. Either way, when you learn to truly listen from a heart of love, you are sharing God’s love in the process. Just as God listens in love to our prayers, HE allows us to share in the same experience with others. To listen with love is a good way of sharing God’s heart with others.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Author of e-Books
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 
Dr. Mike,
Thank you for posting this piece. I had never thought that listening to another for their input is an act of love, although I think some of us have at times tried to do this. For myself, I would like to show this “listening” act of love more often.
Betsy
You and me both….