Shepherding with Compassion: The Art of Listening
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound responsibilities of shepherding, particularly in the context of communication and understanding within our community and families. We began by reflecting on the biblical narrative of Moses and the daughters of Zelophehad from Numbers chapter 27, which illustrates the importance of listening and responding justly to those under our care.
We delved into the concept of authority and how it should be exercised with compassion and wisdom. I shared personal anecdotes to highlight common missteps in communication, such as speaking before listening or making assumptions about others without understanding their backgrounds or challenges. This was exemplified by my visit to a family where the children, unknown to me initially, were dealing with the effects of prenatal drug exposure. This revelation was a humbling reminder of the need to gather all facts and approach situations with empathy and patience.
Throughout the sermon, we discussed the critical role of asking questions and truly listening to the answers. This approach not only applies to our interactions with others but is crucial in our relationship with God. We examined how Moses handled the plea of Zelophehad’s daughters, who approached him with a request for inheritance rights, a scenario that challenged the cultural norms of their time. Moses’ response to bring their case before God instead of dismissing them outright teaches us the value of seeking divine guidance in our decisions.
We also touched on the broader implications of these principles in our community life. By fostering an environment where people feel heard and valued, we can better shepherd our flock in the way Jesus did. The importance of leading by example was emphasized, particularly in how we manage conflicts and misunderstandings within our own families and the church community.
The sermon concluded with a call to action for each of us to embody the qualities of a good shepherd in our daily lives. This involves being proactive in understanding the deep-seated issues that people face, guiding them with God’s wisdom, and advocating for justice and fairness, just as Moses did.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Listening Before Speaking: Often, we are quick to offer solutions or judgments without fully understanding the situation. By listening first, as exemplified by Moses when he was approached by the daughters of Zelophehad, we align closer to God’s will and respond more effectively to the needs of others. This approach not only resolves conflicts but builds deeper relationships within our community. [14:46]
2. Asking Questions to Understand Deeply: Just as Jesus asked the woman at the well insightful questions to reveal deeper truths, we too must cultivate the habit of asking questions that draw out the underlying issues people face. This practice helps us to shepherd others wisely and compassionately, avoiding assumptions that can lead to misunderstandings and hurt. [23:48]
3. Leading by Example in Communication: Our actions and words set a tone for those around us. By demonstrating patience and understanding in our interactions, especially when dealing with difficult situations, we teach by example. This is crucial in raising the next generation to handle conflicts and challenges with grace and wisdom. [24:40]
4. The Role of Shepherds in Advocating for Justice: Moses’ decision to bring the case of Zelophehad’s daughters before God highlights the shepherd’s role in advocating for justice. We are reminded that our leadership must strive to reflect God’s fairness and righteousness, ensuring that no one under our care is marginalized or treated unfairly. [14:10]
5. Embracing Our Role as Shepherds in Every Sphere of Life: Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to be shepherds. This means actively guiding, protecting, and caring for those entrusted to us, just as Christ does for His church. By embracing this role, we fulfill our God-given purpose to lead others towards His love and truth. [27:31]
Chapters:
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 00:01:01 - Introduction to Shepherding the Heart
- 00:09:04 - The Challenge of Authority in Shepherding
- 00:14:10 - Moses and the Daughters of Zelophehad
- 00:19:36 - Learning from Miscommunication
- 00:24:40 - Teaching the Next Generation
- 00:29:14 - The Pitfalls of Poor Listening
- 00:33:47 - Drawing Wisdom from Proverbs
- 00:38:20 - Understanding Different Backgrounds
- 00:40:05 - Conclusion: Embracing Our Shepherding Role
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 27:1-11 - The story of Moses and the daughters of Zelophehad.
2. John 4:1-26 - Jesus and the woman at the well.
3. Proverbs 18:13 - "He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame."
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the cultural norm regarding women speaking to men in authority during the time of Moses, and how did the daughters of Zelophehad challenge this norm? ([09:04])
2. How did Moses respond to the plea of the daughters of Zelophehad, and what does this teach us about his leadership style? ([14:46])
3. In the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, what method did Jesus use to reveal deeper truths about her life? ([02:48])
4. According to Proverbs 18:13, what is the consequence of answering before listening?
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Moses brought the case of the daughters of Zelophehad before God instead of making a quick judgment? How does this reflect on his role as a shepherd? ([17:09])
2. How does the interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well illustrate the importance of asking questions to understand deeper issues? ([02:48])
3. What does Proverbs 18:13 suggest about the importance of listening in effective communication and leadership?
4. How can the principles of listening and asking questions, as demonstrated by Moses and Jesus, be applied to modern-day leadership within the church and family settings? ([24:40])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you spoke before fully understanding the context. How could you have approached it differently by asking questions first? ([02:48])
2. Think of a time when you felt misunderstood because someone didn't listen to you. How did that experience affect you, and what can you learn from it about the importance of listening? ([04:36])
3. In your family or community, how can you create an environment where people feel heard and valued? What specific actions can you take to foster better communication? ([24:40])
4. Moses sought divine guidance before making a decision. How can you incorporate seeking God's wisdom into your decision-making process, especially in leadership roles? ([17:09])
5. Identify a person in your life who you often misunderstand or judge quickly. What steps can you take to better understand their background and challenges? ([05:16])
6. How can you lead by example in your communication, especially when dealing with conflicts or misunderstandings? Share a specific instance where you can apply this in the coming week. ([24:40])
7. Reflect on the role of a shepherd in advocating for justice. How can you advocate for fairness and righteousness in your community or workplace? ([14:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Art of Listening
Listening is foundational to understanding and responding effectively to others. Often, we are quick to speak, offering solutions or judgments without fully grasping the situation at hand. By prioritizing listening, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will, allowing us to truly hear what others are expressing. This practice not only resolves conflicts but also fosters deeper relationships within our community. When we listen first, as Moses did when approached by the daughters of Zelophehad, we demonstrate a willingness to consider perspectives beyond our own, which is crucial in our interactions both within the family and the broader community. [14:46]
James 1:19-20 says, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Recall a recent conversation where you may have responded too quickly. How might the outcome have been different if you had prioritized listening?
Day 2: Cultivating Insight Through Inquiry
Asking insightful questions is a powerful tool to uncover the deeper issues that individuals face. This approach, modeled by Jesus during His conversation with the woman at the well, allows us to avoid assumptions and misunderstandings that can lead to hurt. By engaging in thoughtful questioning, we can shepherd others with wisdom and compassion, guiding them through their challenges and helping them to feel truly understood and supported. This practice is essential in all our relationships, enabling us to act as true shepherds in the likeness of Christ. [23:48]
Proverbs 20:5 says, "The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out."
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you could have asked more insightful questions. What could you ask next time to better understand the person’s perspective?
Day 3: Leading by Example in Communication
Our actions and words significantly influence those around us. Demonstrating patience and understanding, especially in challenging situations, sets a powerful example for others. This approach is crucial in teaching the next generation how to handle conflicts and challenges with grace and wisdom. By embodying these qualities, we not only lead effectively but also foster an environment where open and respectful communication is the norm. This commitment to exemplary communication helps build a community that reflects Christ’s love and patience. [24:40]
Ephesians 4:29-32 says, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Identify a situation where your response could serve as a model for others. How can you demonstrate patience and understanding to guide those involved toward resolution?
Day 4: Advocating for Justice as Shepherds
As leaders and shepherds, advocating for justice and fairness is a profound responsibility. Moses’ decision to bring the case of Zelophehad’s daughters before God exemplifies the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions, ensuring that no one under our care is marginalized or treated unfairly. This role requires us to be vigilant and proactive in addressing issues of injustice, reflecting God’s righteousness in our leadership. By doing so, we uphold the values of the kingdom and ensure that our communities are places of equity and respect. [14:10]
Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Consider a recent issue of fairness or justice in your community. How can you advocate for equitable treatment and ensure that all voices are heard?
Day 5: Shepherding in Every Sphere of Life
We are called to be shepherds in every aspect of our lives, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. This role involves actively guiding, protecting, and caring for those entrusted to us, just as Christ does for His church. By embracing our role as shepherds, we fulfill our God-given purpose to lead others towards His love and truth. This commitment requires us to be attentive to the needs of others, advocating for them and guiding them with wisdom and compassion. [27:31]
1 Peter 5:2-4 says, "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: Reflect on your role in your immediate community. How can you better embody the qualities of a good shepherd to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every day, we shepherd people here. Jesus in the Bible gave all kinds of illustrations about a shepherd and a sheep. We've been looking at these illustrations for practical, everyday people of how we deal with people." [01:01]
2. "I believe if we're ever going to shepherd people, we're ever going to help people, we've got to learn to ask questions. We've got to be a good listener, but we've also got to be a good talker. And you know what we are? We're very good talkers." [08:25]
3. "We need to lead. How many agree? We need a nation that leads, right? That's men and women too, right? That's why God told the older women to teach the younger women, you be leaders and you teach them because a lot of times, people may not have the upbringing and we assume they're a lousy person." [27:31]
4. "Thank God there were people in my church that shepherded me. You're shepherding somebody that you may think is a wild child. Maybe they may not be there right now. I hope they'll take that energy and win the world to Christ." [40:05]
5. "I'm glad there was one person, the first time I ever came to church. I came to church in shorts. Some people talked about me, but a couple pulled me aside and said, 'We're so glad you came to church today.' I would not be standing here if I would have listened to the voice of the first person." [39:26]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now, how many agree we do our talking, then we do our listening while we messed up? And we don't involve God with our listening. Now, part of prayer is listening to God. As a parent, I have had to listen to God sometimes." [17:09]
2. "You know, God may have told you to do something here. I know when I learned about those children here, the first thing I did is I said, Lord, in my mind, I said, forgive me. I prejudged those children. I didn't know that they were on drugs." [19:36]
3. "We have got to be better at what? We're good about getting stuff off our chest. Moses, those girls coming to me. I'm not gonna listen to you. You better listen. Amen. Because, you know, you don't know somebody's destiny. You don't know what somebody's going through." [40:24]
4. "Now, when we don't know what to do here, the very first thing you do is do what Moses did. You brought the matter before God here. Now, how many agree here, when we pray, we're guilty of this too, right?" [17:59]
5. "He said, you're talking too much. Instead of listening, and I had to shut you up somehow. And so, you know, I think God's the same way. I think we're so guilty of telling somebody what they did and why to do this and how to handle this situation here." [19:36]
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