Be Present

The first gift of God to humanity was the gift of relationship.

Relationally healthy people know how to share their lives with others, especially those outside

their circles.

In order for us to do life together, we have to learn to be appropriately open and honest with

one another about our life and our journey.

BE PRESENT

Listen WELL

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19)

LISTENING IS A CHOICE

JESUS LISTENED TO THOSE AROUND HIM

BEING PRESENT INSTILLSDIGNITY AND VALUE

MODEL LISTENING

1. Letting the other person talk more than you.

2. Include them in the conversation.

3. Ask open ended questions4. Be comfortable with

SILENCE5. Repeat back what you have

heard

6. Do not tell them your story7. Let their response be enough8. Listen to what has not been

said9. Suspend Judgment10.Don’t change the subject11.Know when to change the

subject

Psalm 116:1-2

1 I love the LORD because he hears my voice    and my prayer for mercy.2 Because he bends down to listen,    I will pray as long as I have breath!