A New Perspective on... Listening

Some more from Bonhoeffer for you – this time pertaining to listening.

Can you hear me now? What did you say? I didn’t hear you. According to Webster to listen means "to pay attention to sound; to hear something with thoughtful attention; to be alert to catch an expected sound."

“Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear.”

I think we would be hard pressed to identify an act, other then listening, that says “I love you” the way listening does. Think about it. How do your friends and loved ones know you care? You listen to them. How do your co-workers judge your sincerity and honesty? By the way you listen to them. How do children feel loved and secure? They feel love and secure when parents and family take time to listen. Let’s not stop here… How do those on the streets (literally speaking) know you care? Yeah, for some it might be the money and for others it might be a warm blanket but, I would venture to say that for all of them, your willingness to stop and listen mean more then anything else. What about those who might feel disenfranchised, neglected, and uncared for from the church; how do they know you love them? Is it by the stiff shoulder, loud voice, and glare that can be so easily communicated or is it by a willing ear? An ear that is quick to listen and usurp the power of the mighty tongue.

“But he who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God too. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and in the end there is nothing left but spiritual chatter and clerical condescension arrayed in pious words.”

Like I said, I now have a new perspective on listening. Thanks Bonhoeffer.