Listening is one of the most important yet often overlooked skills in our relationships with others. In a world full of noise, distractions, and self-focus, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, unintentionally neglecting the needs, hurts, and cries of those around us. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of love and empathy, one that mirrors the heart of Jesus, who listened deeply and responded with compassion.
How often do we pause and listen to those who are hurting, lost, or in need? How well are we attuned to the subtle whispers of a friend’s pain or the unspoken cries of a neighbor’s burden? Jesus, our ultimate example, was sensitive to the needs of others, and His ministry was often marked by moments when He stopped, listened, and acted. Let’s dive into what it means to actively listen like Jesus and why it matters. 

Jesus’ sensitivity to the needs of those around Him was unparalleled. People who were broken, hurting, or lost were often drawn to Him, knowing that He would not just hear their words, but listen to their hearts.  

In Mark 10:46-52, we see the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting by the roadside in Jericho. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47, NIV). Many in the crowd rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus shouted even louder.  

What did Jesus do? He stopped. He listened.  

“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’” (Mark 10:49, NIV) 

Bartimaeus came to Jesus, and Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus then healed him, saying, “Go, your faith has healed you.” And immediately, Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along the road (Mark 10:51-52, NIV). 

In this moment, Jesus did more than just hear Bartimaeus’ cry—He listened with compassion. He understood the deep longing behind the man’s words, and He acted in love. Jesus models for us the importance of stopping, tuning out the distractions, and focusing fully on the person in need. 

Jesus wasn’t the only one in Scripture who exemplified active listening. Throughout the Bible, we see moments when God’s people listened to those around them, offering comfort, guidance, and support. 

In the New Testament, we see Paul often listening to the needs of the churches he planted. In his letters, Paul writes with great concern for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of those he shepherds. In Philippians 1:3-4, he expresses his deep care, saying: 

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” (Philippians 1:3-4, NIV) 

Paul listened to the struggles and concerns of the early Christians and offered encouragement, guidance, and correction through his letters. He cared deeply for their well-being, just as Jesus did. 

Listening is not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the heart behind them. Proverbs 18:13 warns us: 

“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13, NIV) 

How often do we jump to conclusions or offer advice before fully understanding what someone is going through? True listening requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to pause and be present in the moment. 

James 1:19 encourages us to: 

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19, NIV) 

Listening is an act of love. When we listen, we show others that they matter—that their pain, joy, or struggles are important to us. It also reflects the heart of Christ, who always took time to listen, even when He was busy or on His way to do something else. In today’s fast-paced world, stopping to listen can be a radical act of love. 

So, when should we listen? The answer is simple: always. We should always be on the lookout for opportunities to listen to those who are hurting, lost, or in need.  

Here are a few practical ways we can develop the habit of active listening: 

1. Listen to the Lost: Many people in the world today are spiritually lost, searching for meaning and purpose. Jesus often listened to those who were lost, like the woman at the well in John 4. She came to draw water, but Jesus listened to her deeper need for spiritual truth. He didn’t just talk—He asked questions, allowing her to share her heart. Through that conversation, her life was transformed. We, too, must be open to hearing the spiritual needs of those around us. 

2. Listen to the Hurting: Pain often speaks in whispers, and we must be attentive to hear it. Whether it’s a friend going through a difficult season, a coworker struggling with stress, or a family member dealing with loss, we can offer comfort simply by listening. In Galatians 6:2, Paul instructs us to: 

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV) 
 

We can’t carry each other’s burdens if we don’t take the time to hear them. 

3. Listen for Needs: People often share their needs indirectly. It may come in the form of a casual comment about financial strain or a mention of feeling overwhelmed. Like Jesus, we need to be sensitive to these cues. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus describes how we can serve Him by meeting the needs of others: 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, NIV) 

Listening to the needs of others is one way we serve Christ Himself. 

To become better listeners, we need to cultivate a heart that mirrors the compassion of Christ. Here are a few steps to help us develop a listening heart: 

1. Pray for Sensitivity: Ask God to open your eyes and ears to the needs of those around you. Pray for a heart that is sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so you can be attuned to the cries of the hurting. 

2. Be Present: In our busy lives, it’s easy to rush through conversations without truly listening. Slow down. When someone is speaking to you, give them your full attention. Put away distractions and focus on their words, body language, and emotions. 

3. Ask Questions: Like Jesus did with the woman at the well, ask questions that invite people to share more about their experiences, struggles, or joys. Sometimes, people just need a safe space to open up. 

4. Respond with Compassion: Once you’ve listened, respond with love, encouragement, and action. Listening isn’t passive—it’s an active process that often leads to action. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, providing help, or simply sitting with someone in their pain, your response can be a reflection of Christ’s love. 

Listening is an essential part of our Christian Walk. Jesus modeled it for us throughout His ministry, and we are called to follow His example. When we listen to the lost, the hurting, and those in need, we reflect the heart of Christ and fulfill His command to love one another. 

As we go through our daily lives, let’s strive to be more like Jesus—quick to listen, slow to speak, and always ready to offer compassion. In doing so, we can make a profound impact on the lives of those around us and bring glory to God. Let’s listen well, love deeply, and serve faithfully, just as Christ has done for us.