Our days are full of noisy distractions and interruptions. From phones buzzing to dogs barking, sometimes it can be a challenge to simply listen. You may have had someone admit, “I heard you, but I wasn’t really listening,” because they weren’t giving you their full attention. However, with God, we always have His full attention. He hears us and is constantly listening. He is patient and generous, as we call on Him frequently for understanding and guidance.
In the journey to discovering divine purpose and the path to Lifestyle Generosity, we can practice Generous Listening. By developing a listening ear, we encounter a deeper understanding of God’s truths and direction. This requires developing the practice of intently listening to God, to oneself, and to others, with an open heart and an open mind. Although, this doesn’t always come easily or naturally.
Generous Listening takes patience, trust, peace, and practice.
Many stories in the Bible share the importance of listening. The story of Samuel is a perfect example. Here God is speaking but is not being heard. The Lord called out four times to Samuel before Samuel truly listened and understood that it was God who was speaking to him.
“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:10). God was patient with Samuel, and finally, Samuel listened. God also patiently calls on us to listen, so that we may understand what He wants us to do. So that we may know our purpose, our plan, and our path.
Listening to God through daily scripture helps us to develop a deeper connection and faith. Through daily scripture, we can become better listeners. We can relate and share with others, enhance relationships, and strengthen our faith. Listening to God helps us to be better facilitators, sharing and connecting others to a greater understanding.
When we expand our listening to all our senses, as God speaks to us in various ways. He speaks through our religious leaders who share His righteous word. Listen closer and you will hear God through the people around you. You will hear Him through neighbors who offer a helping hand, or a stranger who goes out of their way with an act of kindness. If we are truly open to listening, we will receive His message through others every day.
Through Generous Listening you will hear God through nature, connecting with God’s glory through His creation. The amazing wonder of the world God created speaks to us daily. “Forever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. He is speaking through his Creation, and he is waiting for you to listen.” (Romans 1:20)
Listen more, speak less. When we struggle with listening to God, we often question His presence. We can become too eager and impatient to hear from God when we aren’t truly listening. Through Generous Listening we practice patience, trust, and peaceful pause in speaking.
In the Bible, James says “Be slow to speak.” He expresses that we should not just hear the word of the Lord but also practice the word of the Lord. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
As followers of Christ, if we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and practice the word of the Lord, we will find a deeper faith and truly hear God’s direction — ultimately grounding us in our purpose, our plan, and our path.