Listening to the Heart | Wednesday – Week 4
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Take a Moment
Ask God what He wants to show you before reading today
Read The Daily
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. (Proverbs 18:13)
I was recently reading about René Laennec, the inventor of the stethoscope. He said his biggest fear was that doctors would use the stethoscope to only listen to patient’s vitals and quit listening to them talk. He said that if you listen to someone, they’ll tell you how to heal them. He reminded doctors not to just listen to hearts and lungs, but also to the words and feelings of their patients. In a similar way, we too have the opportunity to offer our presence and empathy, allowing others to share their stories and needs.
Think about it—everyone has a story, but few have someone who will truly listen to it. We can break that pattern and be a light in the lives of those around us by simply listening. We can listen to our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We can listen to their pains, needs, and joys, and truly understand what they require from us.
When was the last time you paused to ask the single mom in your neighborhood how she’s doing? Or when was the last time you gave your complete attention to a colleague who needed to be heard? By slowing down and listening, we show that we genuinely care.
But listening goes beyond just hearing words; it’s about listening to the heart. It’s about paying attention to the unspoken emotions, the subtle cues, and the deeper needs. As Stephen Covey wisely said in 7 Habits, “Seek first to understand before seeking to be understood.” God’s Word echoes this sentiment, saying, “It’s stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen”.
Prayer for the Day
God what are you showing me? What am I going to do about it?
God help me to see one person that I can serve through a kind word, random act of kindness, or simple gift today?
Make sure you complete the reading or comment today.
Read The New Testament In A Year
4 x 6 Plan | Read: Luke 23:6-25 & 2 Timothy 2:1-13