In your conversation with one another, have you ever encountered a situation where you need to ask a question like this: “Are you listening?” It seems quite frustrating when you are talking to that person and they are not listening. Conversations like this are common: “I am talking to you. Are you listening? Am I talking to the wall? Are you giving me your listening ear?”
To enhance our relationship with one another in this community, I thought that focusing on listening may be something which we can work diligently at. Let us not be easily distracted by things or people around us when we are having a conversation with each other. Giving a listening ear to each other is in a way looking into the interests of others. In Philippians 2:4, I am reminded of this: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” When someone wants to tell you or inform you about something, how would your response be? Do you sit down with them and let them share with you? Showing that you are interested in hearing them is showing care and concern towards them.
We may differ in different opinions and preferences. Listening to one another goes beyond our comfort zone. What does it mean by looking into the interests of others? In Philippians 2:3, I am reminded of this: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” It requires humility when we are listening to one another. Even if you may disagree with what others may be sharing with you, giving them a listening ear helps to build the relationship with one another in the body of Christ. Let us not be too quick to correct others but let us try to understand where the person may be coming from and what they may be facing or struggling in. If you are not sure about certain things, you can still tell them that you will go and find out for them.
In Colossians 3:14, I am reminded of this: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” When we are listening to one another, we are demonstrating love towards one another. Let us love one another earnestly from a pure heart (see 1 Peter 1:22). We want to build up one another’s faith. When we have fellowshipped with each other, we want to show that we desire harmony, peace and unity. We love because Christ Jesus first love us. “Put on love” helps to reconcile and restore relationships.
“Listening to one another” is something we can practice every time we meet in church. It provides an opportunity for prayers to take its roots in our culture in this community of faith. When we are listening to one another, we can also pray for one another when the needs arise. I hope that we are not too busy not having time for others. Let us learn to be humble and be interested in each other’s faith journey. We can be an encouragement to each other by giving each other a listening ear. I think that everyone wants to be heard rather than be ignored.
Each of us has needs that cannot be ignored. Not everyone is comfortable in sharing their needs with others. We need to be sensitive to how each other feels about their needs. Looking into the interests of others surfaces those needs. We want to be a people who loves as Christ Jesus loves us. We also want to give each other space and comfortability when we are showing care and concern. Girded with the empowering of the Spirit of God, let us be overflowed with the love of Christ as we reach out to each other.
I recall in Acts 4:33-35 which states: “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” How wonderful it is when we encounter a situation where there is no needy person amongst us! All needs are met so no one lacks anything. Praise the Lord! Amen.
The principles of “Listening to one another” are summarized as follows:
- Showing care and concern for each other.
- Showing love towards each other.
- Showing genuine interests for one another.
- Showing the desire to pray for one another.
- Giving each other a listening ear.
