“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” James 1:19

ABSTRACT

This article explores the profound act of listening, modeled after divine attentiveness, emphasizing empathy, patience, and humility in fostering deeper connections with God and others.

DIVINE ATTENTION DAWNS!

Alright, let’s dive deep into the heart of listening, shall we? It seems simple, doesn’t it? Just hearing the words. But how often do we truly hear? Not the surface noise, but the deep, echoing chambers of the soul. Before we even consider how we listen to others, a foundational question looms: does God listen to us when we pray to Him? The scriptures resound with affirmations of God’s attentiveness. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry,” (Psalm 34:15). This suggests a God who is not distant or indifferent, but intimately concerned with the pleas of His people. Yet, the experience of unanswered prayer can lead to doubt. We must remember that God’s listening is not merely an auditory reception of our words, but a profound understanding of our hearts, a discernment of our deepest needs. His responses are not always immediate or aligned with our desires, but they are always perfect in His wisdom. He hears the unspoken cries, the groans of the spirit, and responds according to His perfect plan. This divine listening serves as the ultimate model for how we should listen to one another. To further illustrate this, Psalm 139:1-2 states, “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” This verse reveals God’s intimate knowledge of our inner selves, far beyond mere hearing. Additionally, Jeremiah 17:9-10 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” This highlights God’s unique ability to discern the true intentions and needs of our hearts, which are often hidden even from ourselves. Adding to this understanding Ellen G. White states, “God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children” (Steps to Christ, 94, 1892). Also, “Our Heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little!” (Steps to Christ, 94, 1892). These quotes emphasize that God’s comprehension of us extends beyond our spoken words, encompassing our innermost feelings and needs. God’s love shines through His patient, understanding ear, but what role does the Holy Spirit play in bridging our prayers to heaven?

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in intercessory prayer, bridging the gap between our human limitations and God’s perfect understanding. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered,” (Romans 8:26). The Spirit’s intercession reveals that God not only hears our spoken prayers but also perceives the deepest, inarticulate longings of our hearts. He translates our spiritual needs into divine language, ensuring that our prayers align with God’s will. This powerful truth underscores the depth and complexity of God’s listening, a process that transcends human comprehension. Supporting this, John 15:26 states, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” This verse confirms the Spirit’s role as a divine messenger, sent to guide and intercede. Additionally, Romans 8:27 adds, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” This verse further emphasizes the Spirit’s ability to understand and express the divine will in our prayers, ensuring they are in accordance with God’s perfect plan. Adding to this understanding Sr. White states, “Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience” (Steps to Christ, 98, 1892). Also, “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him” (Steps to Christ, 93, 1892). The Spirit invites us to listen actively with love, but how do we resist the urge to fix others instead of truly hearing them?

EMPATHY’S ECHO!

We often rush to fix, to reassure, to solve, like a frantic physician with a cure-all tonic. But is that what’s truly needed? When someone shares their pain, their frustration, do we genuinely create space for them? We try to talk people out of their feelings, offering quick fixes and reassurances, as if emotions were mere glitches in a machine. But true listening means accepting those feelings, whether we understand them or not. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver,” (Proverbs 25:11). Just as a precious object is enhanced by its setting, a heart is comforted by a listening ear. If we ignore feelings, we ignore the person, like a gardener who neglects the roots. We must accept the feelings, even when they seem unjustified, like a wise parent who understands the child’s tears, even when the reason seems small. “For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners,” (Psalm 69:33). “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us,” (1 John 5:14). “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit,” (Psalm 34:18). Scripture echoes this truth with “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). And “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live” (Isaiah 55:3). Sr. White states, “We need to learn to put ourselves in the place of others, to enter into their feelings, to understand their trials, and to sympathize with their sorrows” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 149, 1909). Also, “True sympathy means more than mere pity; it means genuine, heartfelt compassion, entering into the joy and sorrow of others” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 150, 1909). “True sympathy means more than mere pity; it means genuine, heartfelt compassion, entering into the joy and sorrow of others.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 150, 1909). “The most precious gift that heaven can bestow upon men is the grace of unselfishness—the grace to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 287, 1904). Acceptance opens hearts, but what drives genuine care in our listening?

To truly listen, we must want to hear, not just tolerate the sound, like a musician who truly loves the melody. If we don’t, we are better off waiting, like a chef who waits for the perfect ingredients. We do better by owning our feelings than by pretending to be accepting, like a sailor who admits the storm’s power. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). If we don’t truly care, it will show, like a false coin that rings hollow. We must want to be genuinely helpful, with no hidden agendas, like a physician who seeks only the patient’s healing. We must be able to accept whatever the person’s feelings are, even if they differ from what we feel they should be, like a gardener who accepts the wild rose among the cultivated ones. We must trust in the person’s capacity to handle feelings and solve their own problems, like a parent who trusts their child to learn from their mistakes. “Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband,” (Ephesians 5:33). “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter,” (Proverbs 11:13). “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart,” (1 Samuel 16:7). Scripture echoes this truth with “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). And “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Sr. White states, “True sympathy means more than mere pity; it means genuine, heartfelt compassion, entering into the joy and sorrow of others” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 150, 1909). Also, “The most precious gift that heaven can bestow upon men is the grace of unselfishness—the grace to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 287, 1904). “True sympathy means more than mere pity; it means genuine, heartfelt compassion, entering into the joy and sorrow of others.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 150, 1909). “The most precious gift that heaven can bestow upon men is the grace of unselfishness—the grace to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 287, 1904). Genuine desire fuels empathy, but how do we embrace the fleeting nature of emotions?

Feelings change. They are not permanent, like the shifting sands of the desert. Just as the waves of the sea rise and fall, so do our emotions, like the ebb and flow of a river. “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” (Psalm 30:5). We must believe that feelings are transitory, not permanent, like a passing storm. We must be able to leave problems unsolved and unfinished, like a sculptor who leaves some stone untouched. It is the person’s responsibility to solve, not ours, like a student who must complete their own assignments. We are not expected to fix everything, like a shepherd who guides but does not carry every sheep. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away,” (Revelation 21:4). “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him,” (Nahum 1:7). “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” (Romans 8:18). Scripture echoes this truth with “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). And “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Sr. White states, “We need to learn to put ourselves in the place of others, to enter into their feelings, to understand their trials, and to sympathize with their sorrows” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 149, 1909). Also, “True sympathy means more than mere pity; it means genuine, heartfelt compassion, entering into the joy and sorrow of others” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 150, 1909). “We need to learn to put ourselves in the place of others, to enter into their feelings, to understand their trials, and to sympathize with their sorrows.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 149, 1909). “True sympathy means more than mere pity; it means genuine, heartfelt compassion, entering into the joy and sorrow of others.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 150, 1909). Emotions shift like sands, but how does God’s patient love inspire our own listening?

LOVE’S LEGACY LIVES!

God’s love is patient, understanding, and empowering, like a parent who allows a child to learn through mistakes. He doesn’t force solutions, but listens to our cries, allowing us to grow through our struggles, like a gardener who waters the plant but allows it to reach for the sun. He accepts us as we are, even when we are flawed, like a potter who shapes imperfect clay. He trusts us to find our way, offering guidance, not control, like a lighthouse guiding ships, not steering them. God’s Love is shown by his patience and understanding, and “God’s love is an exhaustless treasure, and the more we draw from it, the more we are able to impart to others.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 189, 1909). This love provides a foundation of trust, enabling us to grow and discover our own paths, reflecting the divine nature of empathy. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8). “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy,” (Psalm 103:8). “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 8:38-39). Scripture echoes this truth with “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). And “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4). Sr. White states, “All the paternal love which has come down from generation to generation through the channel of human hearts, all the springs of tenderness which have opened in the souls of men, are but as a tiny rill to the boundless ocean when compared with the infinite, exhaustless love of God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 740, 1889). Also, “The years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase” (The Great Controversy, 678, 1911). “The love of God is the golden chain which binds the hearts of believers together.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 491, 1889). “The love of Christ is the most powerful motive that can actuate the human heart.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 33, 1889). Divine love calls us to reflect it, but what does listening to His voice demand of us?

My responsibility is to listen to His voice, to trust in His guidance, and to reflect His love in my interactions with others, like a mirror reflecting light. Just as we must listen to our fellow humans, we must also listen to God, like a student listening to the master teacher. We must seek to understand His will, not impose our own, like a servant who follows the master’s instructions. We must acknowledge that we can not solve every problem, but must trust in his guidance, like a sailor trusting the stars to navigate. “The most precious grace that heaven can bestow upon men is the grace of unselfishness—the grace to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 287, 1904). Thus, our duty is to be receptive to His voice, allowing His love to flow through us, transforming us into vessels of His grace. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” (1 Corinthians 10:31). “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ,” (Colossians 3:23-24). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” (2 Timothy 2:15). Scripture echoes this truth with “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). And “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings” (Proverbs 4:20). Sr. White states, “True piety is manifested in the work of doing good” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 127, 1909). Also, “The life of Christ was a life of unselfish service” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 128, 1909). “True piety is manifested in the work of doing good.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 127, 1909). “The life of Christ was a life of unselfish service.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 128, 1909). Reflecting divine love extends to others, but how do we offer compassion without judgment?

Our responsibility is to listen with compassion, to offer support without judgment, and to empower them to find their own path, like a fellow traveler offering a helping hand. We must be a reflection of God’s love, not a source of our own self-righteousness, like a window letting in light, not blocking it. We must be a support, not a crutch, like a sturdy branch that helps a vine climb. We must be a listening ear, not a talking head, like a calm lake reflecting the sky. We must seek to understand, not to judge, like a doctor who diagnoses with empathy. “True Christianity reveals itself in the work of practical benevolence. To do good is the fruit that Christ requires us to bear.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 127, 1909). We are called to embody Christ’s compassion through our actions, fostering genuine connection and empowerment. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ,” (Galatians 6:2). “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth,” (1 Corinthians 10:24). “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous,” (1 Peter 3:8). Scripture echoes this truth with “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). And “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Sr. White states, “The work of true benevolence is a work of love” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 128, 1909). Also, “The true Christian is a blessing to all around him” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 129, 1909). “The work of true benevolence is a work of love.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 128, 1909). “The true Christian is a blessing to all around him.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 129, 1909). Compassion binds us, but what makes listening a sacred endeavor?

SACRED SILENCE SPEAKS!

True listening is a sacred act, like a silent prayer. It requires humility, patience, and empathy, like a gardener tending delicate blooms. It means setting aside our own agendas and truly connecting with another human being, like two rivers merging into one. It means trusting that they have the capacity to handle their own feelings and find their own solutions, like a parent watching their child learn to walk. It’s about being present, fully present, in the moment, like a still point in a turning world. It is a way to embody the love that God has shown to us, and therefore a way to show that love to others, like a lamp sharing its light in the darkness. “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings” (Proverbs 4:20). “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Scripture echoes this truth with “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5). And “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel” (Proverbs 12:15). Sr. White states, “The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of His church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 179, 1893). Also, “A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity” (Reflecting Christ, 194, 1986).

Listening is not passive, like a still pond. It is an active, intentional choice, like a sculptor shaping clay. It is a choice to see the world through another’s eyes, to feel their pain, to share their joy, like a mirror reflecting a soul. It is a choice to love, like a seed growing into a mighty tree. Let us strive to listen with our hearts, not just our ears, like a musician feeling the music. Let us be a beacon of empathy in a world that so desperately needs it, like a lighthouse guiding ships home. Let us remember that true connection comes not from fixing, but from truly hearing, like an echo of empathy in the vast chambers of the heart. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7). “Incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding” (Proverbs 2:2). Scripture echoes this truth with “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge” (Proverbs 19:27). And “Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12). Sr. White states, “True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly dies when severely tested” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 176, 1890). Also, “Love is a plant of heavenly growth, and it must be fostered and nourished. Affectionate hearts, truthful, loving words, will make happy families and exert an elevating influence upon all who come within the sphere of their influence” (The Adventist Home, 106, 1952).

“Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray” (Psalm 5:2, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of listening in my devotional life, allowing it to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of attentive empathy to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about listening in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of empathy and hope, living out the reality of God’s attentive love through active listening?