A Listener - by Tobi Peace

A LISTENER!!A listener is someone who hears more than just the words being spoken. He pays keen attention to what is being said and seeks to understand the heart behind the words.A listener can also be called a safe space, someone people can come to and freely express themselves without fear of being judged.He listens to the words.He pays attention.He allows people to speak their hearts.A listener can be a source of wisdom to those who are confused and a source of strength to those who feel alone.Sometimes, one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is simply being present and listening.Jesus is a very good example for us to follow when it comes to listening..Remember the story of Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, saying, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.”The crowd tried to silence him. They told him to be quiet, but he cried out even louder.Do you know what Jesus did?Jesus listened to him.Jesus stopped and responded to his cry.The crowd heard Bartimaeus, but they wanted him to be silent.Jesus heard him and gave him a voice.To listen to someone is to communicate to them:“Your voice matters.”“Your story matters.”“What you are going through matters.”Jesus didn't ignore Bartimaeus because of the noise around him. He paid attention to the cry of one person who needed Him.And when we talk about being people who listen, we must understand that true listening is done with compassion.It is not just about hearing sounds with our ears. It is about paying attention with our hearts.Sometimes, people don't need us to immediately give them an answer.Sometimes, they just need someone who will sit with them.Someone who will hear them.Someone who will understand.Someone who will remind them that they are not alone.And if we claim that we truly follow Jesus, then we should learn to listen too and we should listen with compassion.Before we speak, let us listen.Before we judge, let us listen.Before we correct, let us listen.Before we assume we know someone's story, let us listen.Because sometimes, the greatest ministry we can offer someone is not a sermon, a correction, or an advice.Sometimes, it is simply this:“I hear you.”“I am here.”“You matter.”May God help us not only to become people who speak for Him, but also people who know how to listen like Him.Be a listener.Listen with your ears.Listen with your heart.Listen with compassion.

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