Listening with Love
OPENING PRAYER:
Gracious God, teach us to listen with our hearts, to hear the unspoken needs and stories of those around us. May our listening be a channel of Your grace and healing.
"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 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Listening is an act of love that requires patience and humility. Pastor Carter’s message highlighted how Jesus, before speaking to the man at Bethesda, learned about his condition. This implies a deeper conversation, a willingness to listen and understand. In a world where quick fixes and sound bites dominate, the art of listening is often lost.
Todd’s story of Heath Duncan from the message illustrates the transformative power of listening. By choosing to listen rather than judge, Todd created a space for Heath to share his life and ultimately encounter Jesus. Listening allowed Heath to feel accepted and valued, paving the way for his spiritual journey.
Listening is not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the heart behind them. It involves empathy and a readiness to enter into another’s experience. As we listen, we become conduits of God’s love, offering hope and healing to those who feel isolated and misunderstood.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will discover someone's story this week by noticing, listening, or asking them a question. We can practice empathetic listening by engaging in a conversation where you focus solely on understanding the other person’s perspective. Resist the urge to offer solutions or corrections; simply listen and affirm their story.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the gift of listening. Help us to be slow to speak and quick to listen, that we might reflect Your love and bring healing to those around us. Amen.