31 Days of Missional Living: Just Listen (Day 17)

 So by now you're starting to engage with your neighbors more. You're spending more intentional time at your Third Place. You're starting to have more conversations but are they going beyond the surface? Let me teach you a trick; just listen.

 Before we moved to Downtown Orlando we had  friends who did open-air preaching on Downtown street corners. Watching them interact with people was one of the most educational times for my own missional living. I learned that people want to talk to you but you will miss what they're really communicating  if you're not listening. Oftentimes we found that the people least receptive to the Gospel had been hurt by the church. We found that out by listening.

People will tell you anything you want to know if you listen. Perhaps their family is in shambles. Perhaps they've been abused and have made some decisions about the opposite sex because of that. Maybe they grew up in a really strict home and have either become really strict or exceedingly relaxed because of it. Before you can share the Gospel with people in a way they'll connect with, you must begin to hear their story. The best way to do that is to listen because usually they're already sharing it.

I challenge you today to choose at least one person to really listen to. Only talk to ask clarifying questions or if they ask for your advice. You'll be surprised by what you learn.