Called to the Ones: A 5 Day DevotionalSýnishorn

Day 2: Ears To Hear The Ones

Technology has opened the way for anyone to speak on whatever they choose to speak on.

Have an opinion? Tweet it.

Have a story? Blog it.

Have a complaint? Yelp it.

Have a picture? Instagram it.

This access has given many a voice to speak their mind but it has inadvertently eroded our ability to listen well. We are slowly being wired to avoid listening and go straight into sharing our take on any given topic, at any given moment.

I’ve seen how the way we engage with technology can easily translate to how we can lack the will to listen to those right in front of us.

In Scripture, James writes, “Let every person be quick to hear and slow to speak…” (James 1:19)

Our sinful nature doesn’t have a problem talking more than we listen. Most of us would admit that we actually like talking. But this command in James isn’t just a good tip on how to be a good communicator; rather, it’s helping us understand how listening is a way of loving others well.

In the passages that follow James 1:9, we are reminded that we aren’t called to be just hearers of the Word but doers—why? Because that’s what shows that we love God (John 14:15).

Therefore, when we forget that listening is a central component to the credibility of our love, we won’t seek to cultivate listening ears.

Listening shows that we respect others. It turns our attention towards the ones we love and what they are saying and how they are saying it. Even when some of what they say isn’t all right, it is a way we learn to dignify others.

If we are going to understand our neighbors, we have to be willing to intentionally listen to their stories. their thoughts and perspectives. And not the kind of listening that can’t wait until they finish so you can share your thoughts but a listening that takes the time to process and understand and empathize.

So, how are we inclining our ears towards those in our lives?

• Are we quicker to respond with an answer or a solution when someone opens up to us?
• Are we quicker to give our opinion about a matter before understanding and processing the issue?
• Have we allowed our preconceived notions to get in the way of hearing what they are saying?

As we seek to love those in front of us, let’s seek to listen well.

Prayer: Father, give me ears to hear the ones in my path. Help me relinquish the need to always have to speak before listening intently. As I seek to incline my ears towards the ones on my path, allow me to grow in empathy and compassion. Pour out Your wisdom in me so that after I listen, I can speak gracious words to build up and exhort.

In Jesus Name, Amen.