READ
REFLECT
Do you consider yourself a good listener?
Being a good listener is about much more than just hearing the words that someone is saying. It’s about being fully present at the moment and actively engaging with the speaker. It’s about asking thoughtful questions to gain a deeper understanding of their perspective and providing feedback that shows you care about what they have to say.
But here’s the thing – sometimes, being a good listener means saying nothing at all. It means being present in the moment and genuinely absorbing what the other person is saying, without feeling the need to interject or offer our own input.
Reflective listening is a powerful tool that can help us better understand and connect with others.
In James, it tells us to be “quick to listen.” What does that mean? This Scripture is a reminder that we aren’t the center of the universe, and that others have experiences and stories to share that can benefit us and add value to our lives.
One of the most powerful calls to listen comes from Revelation. In it, the Lord says, “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 that person, and they with me.”
Think about it – the God who made the heavens and the earth is inviting us to draw closer to Him. And one way we can do that is by actively listening to His voice.
In the Bible, God speaks to us in many ways – through scripture, through prayer, through the people and circumstances He places in our lives. And when we take the time to truly listen to His voice, we open ourselves up to a deeper connection with Him and a greater understanding of His will for us.
RESPOND
1. Commit Revelation 4:20 to memory.
2. Write down two ways you can improve your listening for God.
