To answer before listening—
that is folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13
Just a quick thought today for my American followers, and perhaps my international followers as well. I listened with admiration to a podcast about Abraham Lincoln and his ideas and practices about reaching out to those who did not think like he did politically. Lincoln, in his wisdom, wanted to hear the views of those with whom he disagreed. In fact, he filled his cabinet, as President, with those who were both political friends and foes (see Doris Kerans Goodwin’s masterpiece Team of Rivals).
Connecting with, hearing, and respecting those with whom we disagree is not only a morally and biblically right position, it is the basis of a society that aspires to a strong democratic form of government.
The concept that being heard is the closest thing to being loved is a powerful statement. Let us listen to one another.
Prayer: Lord, give us the discipline to hear one another, Amen.
Reflections of a Counselor 