Learning to Listen

Not only does Jesus’ ability to speak amaze me but also His ability to listen. The prophet, priest and king of God had a message to give, but He also had time to spend to allow others to talk. This wasn’t only true for His followers, but also for His enemies. There’s a thought for you!

How can we better learn to listen and be more like Jesus?

I think one way is to remember how we want to be listened to at times. Sometimes we just want someone to listen to us, not necessarily to put a burden on the shoulders of others, but so we can just get something off of our chest. A good preacher and a good listener doesn’t always follow the same name, but it did with Jesus!

Another way to remember how to be a good listener is to remember the opportunities it can bring to have an effect on someone else’s life with the gospel. The ’right’ answer can’t be given if we don’t know the ‘right’ question. The idea is novel in a way, but there’s nothing novice about. It takes patience and a heart that sincerely cares about individuals.

Christ-like is what we’re called to be and I’m still trying to answer that call in more ways than one. Do you know what one of the most important things we have to be willing to do when it comes to that call? We have to be willing to listen!

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (Luke 8:16-18, NKJV)

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