30th August 2023
Being willing to listen
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:2 (NLT)
We live in such a hectic, busy world, and it’s so easy to be distracted by one thing and another. We often only give people half an ear when they speak to us. However, I feel that people need to be heard and validated as never before.
Every day we rub shoulders with those who are desperate, hurting, and lonely. We may not even be aware of the dark road they travel – just needing someone to notice, to slow down, to lend an ear, to care. I have been in situations where I have seen someone alone and distressed but I have not stopped to ask if I could help. On the other hand, I have been alone and distressed myself and there has been no one to turn to. Being heard can be a starting point for someone’s healing. We don’t need to be a professional in this capacity. A listening ear and a caring heart is often all that is needed.
Jesus was always willing to listen and understand another person’s perspective. In Luke 24 we have the story of Jesus meeting two people on the road to Emmaus. Notice how Jesus asks inquisitive questions to learn what was important to people. He entered into a conversation with them and they urged him to stay the night and share a meal. It was only then that his identity was revealed to them. There are, of course, many other examples of Jesus interacting with people.
It’s part of our discipleship to look out for others, and to meet them where they are in their lives, just as Jesus met us right where we were to bring us into relationship with him. Sometimes it’s we who need to talk, and we have a wonderful God who is more than willing to listen. As we read in the header scripture, our God doesn’t listen from afar. He bends down so to speak. He gets close. He is intimate and compassionate. Even when he seems distant, he is not.
It’s important to give people our time and full attention when it’s needed, even, or especially, in our busy world.
Because that’s what Jesus did.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for the intimate and compassionate way you deal with us. You are always attentive to our prayers. Help us to move this forward into our relationship with others in a world where people are longing to be heard. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Study by June Burrows
About the writer:
June Burrows attends the Southampton congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
Hythe & Dibden Parish Hall
West St
Hythe
Southampton
SO45 6AA
Local congregation contact:
Peter Noon
Email: southampton@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church