Can you understand the words coming out of my mouth?

If we try to tune into the idea of loving other people and we try to hear what God teaches us about this I think we first learn about some of most glaring personal faults. As I started thinking along these lines a couple years ago God had a long list of stuff for me to work on. He still does. I think it's actually gotten longer since then. Like my hero Bono says, don't look at me as an example of a good Christian.

One of the things that I've tried to work on is listening. I found that my insecurities compelled me to talk all time in conversations. I was a conversation whore. Blah, blah, blah, blah...all about me! Hey, pay attention to me, me, me! Aren't I important? Yada, yada, yada. I was a boor. Probably still am, but less of one I hope. But then again, maybe I just blog now instead of yakking in other people's ears! haha.

Honestly though, I Corinthians tell us that love is about putting others before yourself. Not pushing yourself, but lifting the other person up. Love is not vain, isn't puff up with pride. As a conversation whore I was all those things in conversations.

So I try now to listen more and talk less. I've found that I get along with people more now than I used to. Imagine that! I've also discovered (amazingly!) that there are some pretty bright people out there who have alot of good things to say, things I need to hear, and if I'd just shut my pie hole and Q-Tip my ears I might learn something of value.

Seems like an obvious thing, listening. But I think it's a great way to love other people. Just listen to what they have to say. Hear them out. Don't interrupt. Ask questions. All those listening skills we've all read about in John Maxwell how-to books and tapes. When I shut my mouth I'm telling the other person that they're valuable, they matter, their ideas/opinions/comments are needed and wanted in the world. Isn't that the essense of love? It's part of it for sure.