Loving Like Jesus

Have you ever been talking to someone, only to notice them looking at their phone while you spoke? When this happens to me, I’m tempted to stop and ask, “Are you listening to me?†Because I wonder if my words matter to them.

Listening is an important part of communicating, but we often take it for granted in our busy lives. Demands like homework, jobs, and extra activities fill our schedules. To stay caught up, we may try juggling several things at once. The problem is, all this multitasking can affect our ability to really listen and love others well.

Jesus was a good listener. In Mark 5, Jesus and the disciples were in a hurry, on their way to save a little girl. But Jesus felt the pain of someone near Him, so He stayed to help. He listened to the woman’s story and then said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over†(verse 34).

Jesus demonstrated how listening involves more than just hearing words. He paid attention. He let people know their value and responded in love. He even took time to listen as He suffered on the cross (Luke 23:39-43).

James 1:19 says we should be “quick to listen.†By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can show the love and care Jesus showed us by listening well. • Kristine Brown

• What would being “quick to listen†and “slow to speak†look like in your own relationships (James 1:19)?

• How can you show the love of Jesus through your words and your listening?

But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Psalm 66:19 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 2:8-10