In a noisy, distracted world, one of the most powerful ways we can show love is simply to stop… and truly listen.
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Are We Really Listening?
How good are we at hearing?
When people speak to us, are we truly listening, or are we distracted?
Are we thinking about our to-do list?
What we’re having for dinner?
Or perhaps drifting off to something else entirely?
Sometimes, without even realising it, we may begin to measure people, deciding who is “worthy” of our time and attention.
But Jesus never did that.
Jesus Saw and Valued Everyone
Jesus stopped. He listened. He cared.
He spoke with the Pharisee, the tax collector, and the leper alike. Both those respected and those rejected.
As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
Luke 17:12–14 (NIV)
Jesus noticed people others overlooked.
He heard the cries others ignored.
And He responded with compassion.
The Subtle Ways We Tune Out
In our everyday lives, it can be easy to unintentionally send the message:
“I’m not really listening.”
- Looking past someone while they’re speaking
- Checking our phone mid-conversation
- Rushing them to finish
- Interrupting or finishing their sentences
- Waiting for our turn to speak rather than truly hearing
Sometimes we listen to respond, not to understand.
But Scripture gently guides us:
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
James 1:19 (ESV)
Listening Is an Act of Love
Listening is more than hearing words, it is an act of love.
When we truly listen:
- We honour the person speaking
- We gain understanding
- We create connection
- We help others process their thoughts and feelings
As the question has been asked: “How do we wear our love?”
One powerful way is by giving someone our full attention.
Listening to Children Matters Deeply
How we listen to children matters just as much, if not more.
Do we rush them?
Finish their sentences?
Or dismiss their attempts to communicate?
Or do we lean in?
Children are learning their value in these moments.
When we listen, we tell them:
“You matter.”
“I see you.”
“I care about what you have to say.”
Even simple moments, like being present at the playground, encouraging them as they try something new, can build confidence and courage.
When we hold hope for them, they feel it.
And that hope helps them rise.
Every Act of Attention Matters
Nothing we do in love goes unnoticed by God.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
When we listen, encourage, and care, especially for the vulnerable, we are serving Jesus Himself.
What a beautiful truth.
A Gentle Invitation
Today, let’s slow down.
Let’s put aside distractions.
Let’s look people in the eye.
Let’s listen, not just to respond, but to understand.
Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone… is our presence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the way You listen to me with love, patience, and understanding.
Help me to reflect that same heart toward others.
Teach me to slow down, to be present, and to truly listen.
Remove distractions and soften my heart so I can honour those around me.
Help me to show Your love in the way I give my attention.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activation
Today, choose one conversation where you will:
- Put your phone away
- Maintain eye contact
- Listen without interrupting
- Ask a thoughtful follow-up question
Let the person speaking feel fully seen and heard.
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God bless you and your family.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
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Sources:
What Does the Bible Say About Listening? (openbible.info)
Luke 17:11-14 NIV – Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy – Now – Bible Gateway
Jesus 4 Generations 
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