Love That Listens

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19 (NIV)

James offers us a rhythm for spiritual maturity: quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. It’s a cadence that counters the noise of the world—a spiritual meter that invites us to pause, breathe, and be present. And like any rhythm, it begins with attentiveness—often through prayer. 

Before we hear others, we must first attune our hearts to God. Listening becomes not just a skill but a spiritual posture—formed through prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps us discern what is true, what is tender, and what is needed in each moment.

In a world overflowing with noise, listening is often the rarest form of love. We’re trained to respond, to defend, to persuade—but Scripture calls us first to hear not just with our ears, but with our hearts.

This isn’t passivity—it’s intentional presence. It’s the kind of listening that makes space for pain, for story, for truth. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t rush to fix, but chooses to understand.

Jesus modeled this love again and again. He listened to the cries of the blind, the questions of the curious, and the silence of the grieving. He didn’t just hear words—he heard hearts. And in that listening, people found healing.

In our polarized culture, listening is countercultural. It’s an act of humility. It says, “Your experience matters. Your voice is worth hearing. Your opinion matters”—especially to those we disagree with the most. When we listen well, we reflect the love of Christ—not just in what we say, but in how we make others feel seen, valued, and dignified.

This kind of love doesn’t mean agreement. It doesn’t mean silence in the face of injustice. But it does mean that our witness begins with compassion, not correction. It means that before we speak peace or answer with hope, we must first listen with love.

James goes on to say, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (1:22) Listening is not the end—it’s the beginning of faithful action. When we hear with love, we’re moved to respond with grace. Otherwise, we risk becoming like one who looks in a mirror and forgets their reflection. Let what we hear—both from God and from one another—transform our saying and doing.

Reflection Questions

• Who in my life needs to be heard more than answered?

• How can I practice listening as a spiritual discipline?

• What does it mean to reflect Christ’s love through presence, not just proclamation?

• In what ways might prayer prepare me to listen more deeply?

God of compassion, teach us to love by listening. Slow our speech, soften our hearts, and open our ears to the voices around us. Holy Spirit, guide our listening with discernment and grace. May our presence be a refuge, our silence a gift, and our words a reflection of your grace. Help us hear as Jesus hears—with patience, mercy, and love. And may what we hear transform how we live. In his name we pray, Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim