Monroe Church of God

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Psalms 1:1-3. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Search the Bible at BibleGateway.

International Christian Concern ICC has learned that hundreds of religious minorities, including Sikhs and Christians, fled Swat Valley because the Taliban had imposed the “jizya tax” required by Islamic law on religious minorities.   Read More...

All my life, I wanted to be a head football coach of an NFL team more than anything else. At times, I even wanted it more than God or my family. I bought right into the world’s game plan. In my eyes, being a head coach would give me all the things I wanted, like money and prestige. My goal became an obsession. Read More...

The night was very dark. I found it hard to sleep. It was quiet except for the hum of the car motor. We kids were scrunched up in the back seat of the car. I heard my mom ask, ‘Which way, left or right? Where do we go?’ Read More...

The Resurrection Of Debbie. Dr. Gary Habermas, world-renowned expert on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, discusses losing his 43 year old wife to stomach cancer.  He has a perspective you might not expect. Watch The Video... 

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Home The News All News Listening: A Vital Dimension of Respect
Listening: A Vital Dimension of Respect PDF Print E-mail
Written by Michael Josephson   
Thursday, 20 November 2008 14:11

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By Michael Josephson of Character Counts (564.3)

The virtue of respect is demonstrated by being courteous and civil and treating everyone in a manner that acknowledges and honors their essential human dignity.

An important but often neglected aspect of respect is listening to what others have to say.

Respectful listening is more than hearing. It requires us to actually consider what's being said. That's hard when we've heard it before, aren't interested, or don't think much of the person talking. It's even worse when we act like we're listening but are really waiting for our turn to speak.

The fact is, most of us don't listen very well, certainly not all the time, and especially with people closest to us. Kids are especially adept at tuning out their parents, but parents are equally skilled at ignoring or dismissing as foolish or irrelevant what their kids have to say.

Disrespect is most apparent when others ignore or patronize us. Like when they roll their eyes or betray fake interest by vacantly staring or letting their gaze wander.

We all want to know that what we say and think matters. But if we want others to care about what we say, we need to care about what they say. Like all the important virtues, we teach respect best by demonstrating it.

So listen up! It'll make people feel better, and you may even learn something.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 November 2008 14:27 )