LISTENING AS MINISTRY
Proverbs 20:5: “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out."
People have often told me I’m a good listener. I’m thankful that I am, because I can’t count the number of times people have confided in me, sometimes devastating secrets. But they know they can trust that what they tell me doesn’t go beyond me. I will take their secrets to my grave. All because I chose to listen when they needed to talk.
Jesus was a good listener. A discerning listener. A loving listener. He took the time to listen to another’s story, another’s perspective before He spoke. He took the time to give those who came to Him His undivided attention. That’s how important they were to Him. And He listened not just with His ears, but with His heart. He took on their pain. He heard their sorrow. He saw their need. Because He listened first.
It was only after listening to each person did He then act.
We too would do well to learn the art of being a good listener before we offer any kind of advice, encouragement, or help. First, let us hear the person’s heart, their pain and sorrow, their joy and triumph before we act. IF we act, because sometimes we find that in the end all the person really needs is not action but an attentive, sympathetic, caring ear.
Lord, teach us to close our lips and open our ears more!
Be blessed!
