Listening is both an individual and communal practice and, in both cases, is work God does. In the individual practice of listening, John 10 clarifies that you respond to God’s voice—it is recognizable, trustworthy, and true. Instead of coming to God with lots of words and questions, listening provides a space for you to come with nothing and receive everything.
Practicing listening is also an exercise in humility and patience because you are acknowledging that you don’t know the answer and you aren’t in control of the timing in which you will know it. Listening can be uncomfortable if you are used to doing all the talking. But the flip side is that nothing is expected of you but to show up and let God be God. True rest lies in accepting your place in the world and following the lead of the One who knows all and is doing all.
As a communal practice, deep listening positions you to extend God’s love and dignity to those God made. Most people listen with the intent to respond. Have you ever caught yourself trying to hold onto a thought you have while someone is talking, instead of listening to what they are saying? Another pitfall you might fall into is listening with judgment or listening to find fault or disagreement. Instead of hearing another’s perspective, you are formulating your defense or argument.
What if we approached listening as a surrender to love? What if instead of listening to respond, we listened to love? Be curious. Ask questions. Ask to see the Spirit’s work in someone else's life. Trust that God IS at work and has something to offer you in their story. Listening in these ways leads to satisfying rest for you and grace toward the other.
