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The great art of listening
This article originally appeared in the January 13, 2014, edition ofThe Christian Science Monitor.
Our society pays attention to the people who speak up. People who speak in a loud, clear voice can persuade others; they explain things; they outline the choices. That’s true of many biblical figures as well. But my favorite Bible characters are the listeners.
There are so many! I’m especially drawn to the ones who are willing to listen to spiritual intuitions that are unexpected. There is Abraham, listening to the unlikely advice to leave his homeland (see Genesis 12:1). Later, he hears the sweet surprise alternative to the sacrifice of his son (see Genesis 22:1–13).
Moses listens and, after a few objections—“Really? Who, me?”—accepts the unusual idea of leading a spiritually based mass migration (see Exodus 3:1—4:29).
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February 24, 2014 issue
View Issue-
Letters
Steven Price, Patmcoll, Louise Carroll, William Dunnell
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United against divisiveness
John Minard, Libby Hoffman
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Love makes the world go round ...
John Park
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Seeing our neighbors spiritually
Barton Buckner
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The great art of listening
Janell Fiarman
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Perfect gift
Margaret Zuber
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The Savior and the divine nature
Steve Warren
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Study that leads to healing
Kathryn Knox
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My favorite translation
Theresa Talley
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Healed in Costa Rica
Channing Fisher
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Symptoms of stress fracture gone
Shelly Richardson
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Injured knee and leg quickly healed
Helena Rhonda Bullion
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Childlike trust heals finger
Erik Carlson
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Proofs of God’s complete care
Beverly Harrington
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Flu symptoms healed
Russell Whittaker
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Facing down dementia
The Editors