Are You Listening?

Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.

John 18:37

Do you know someone who doesn’t know how to listen? I became acquainted with a kind man who worked at a grocery store I frequented. Every time he saw me, he would stop what he was doing and head my way. For the next ten minutes (at least) he would tell me all about what he had been doing, about his family, or about anything that came to mind. He loved to talk, but he didn’t know how to listen. I once told my husband, “I know a lot about that man, but he knows nothing about me.”

What kind of listener are you? Do you find more pleasure in talking or in listening? Which is more important to you: telling others about your life or finding out about theirs? In your time alone with the Lord, do you purposefully listen as well as talk?

Let’s focus on that last question. God wants us to pray for those things that align with His will and ways. He commands us, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…(Ephesians 5:18). But we are also told to listen. Jesus said, Everyone on the side of truth listens to me (John 18:37). So what kind of listener are you to the Lord Jesus? When you open your Bible, are you ready to hear God’s Word to you? How intently do you listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings throughout your day?

Jesus describes the kind of fellowship He wants with His followers. He said, Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me (Rev 3:20). The intimate fellowship that can develop around a dinner table is the kind of fellowship Jesus wants with you daily.

Jesus, stir our hearts to open the door of intimate fellowship with You! Teach us to be good listeners both to You and to others.

Jan Burkhart