It feels we live at a time when everyone is talking and no one is listening.

Do you, like me, struggle with listening well? Whether it is because of laziness, selfishness, busyness, or whatever, so often I just don’t get it right. I want to move past what Paul Tournier called “dialogues of the deaf.”

In our troubled times it is most important that we learn to listen well because the Bible says:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

This is Part 2 of a three part series that hopefully will help us gain some skill in Listening Well.

Part 1: The God Who Listens
Part 2: The Importance of Listening to Others
Part 3: Listening that Makes a Difference

People long to be heard

Is it possible that in our desire to be heard that we have lost the importance of listening? 

Christian theology is rich with the understanding that God speaks and that we need to listen to what He says. We understand that He spoke the universe into existence. Scripture reveals that He spoke to Abraham in the dark of night, to Moses from the burning bush, and to Elijah in a still small voice. We believe that Jesus is the Word who reveals the Father. He calls us to follow Him and desires that we speak His salvation to the nations. God wants us to hear Him today as He speaks through the Bible and through His Spirit. 

Our emphasis in this series does not focus on our hearing God, but on hearing others. In Part One, we discovered that listening well is important because God is a listening God. Today we will notice that good listening is crucial for healthy relationships. It has the potential to transform families, workplaces, and communities, and is important for both the one who is heard and for the one who hears. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer warns us to resist the temptation to talk when we should be listening.

So often Christians, especially preachers, think that their only service is always to have to “offer” something when they are together with other people. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people seek a sympathetic ear and do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking even when they should be listening.

At this time when people are so quick to express themselves with opinions, posts, tweets, blogs and videos, we need to pause and consider why listening is important.

Listening well benefits the one being heard

When we take the time to truly listen to others, they are blessed because it…

• stirs feelings of value and acceptance
• offers hope and encouragement
• brings healing and restoration
• creates trust and understanding

Listening well benefits the one hearing

The practice of listening transforms the listener because it…

• makes one approachable and receptive
• opens the door for love and good deeds
• promotes humility and patience
• gives new perspectives and understanding

Listening well benefits for both parties mutually

Good listening establishes healthy interpersonal relationships because it…

• identifies commonalities
• creates harmony
• helps solve problems
• brings clarity

Listening well advances the mission of Christ

When we follow Christ into the world and give our attention to others, listening bears fruit because it…

• brings to light the image of God in others
• reveals where the Father is working
• uncovers needs and hurts
• provides opportunities to share the Good News of Christ

We can grow as listeners

Working to reshape our listening skills into a missional rhythm is challenging, but it is vitally important. Next week we will conclude this series of Listening Well by exploring the topic, Listening that Makes a Difference.

Missional Challenge

In a world that loves to talk, offer the gift of listening to someone today.