LOVE THAT LISTENS
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)
There was a lady I knew in Chicago who seemed always to be reaching people for Jesus. People were drawn to her, and God used her in undeniable ways. She wasn’t a preacher, and she wasn’t necessarily a strong leader. I remember asking her what her secret was. How did she have such an impact? Her answer surprised me; she said she listened people into the kingdom. She had an incredible gift of sitting and really seeing you. She was a magnet for people because she loved people well through listening.
Think about it: sometimes, when we pray aloud, we are so worried about what we will pray that we fail to listen to the prayers of those around us. We aren’t really hearing what’s going on with people because we are too focused on ourselves. Jesus was the greatest leader the world has ever seen, but He was also a great listener! How do I know that? He was asked hundreds of questions, and then He would turn around and ask them a question because He was listening to what they were really saying. He was seeing what was in their heart through their words.
The verse above is rich because, in that culture, the most powerful person was permitted to speak the most. Your position actually determined how many words you could use with others. Jesus was the most powerful person to ever walk the planet, and yet He listened. He takes the verse and flips it on its head. We are to use whatever authority or position to serve others. It’s easy to dismiss ourselves from making an impact because we think we are too small, too hidden or not gifted like others, but you can listen people into the kingdom. As you listen, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to give a verse, thought, or spirit of empathy that can impact someone today. May God give you spiritual ears today!
APPLICATION:
Listen to what’s in people’s hearts from the words that come from their mouths today.
PRAYER:
Ask the Spirit to help you truly be free to listen to others. Ask what He wants to say to you right now.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?