Tenderhearted Listening

Tenderhearted Listening

The first act of love is the giving of attention. – Dallas Willard

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Listening requires that I put my stuff on hold; you know all the things that occupy and bounce around in my brain. To listen well I must be tender-hearted and take a posture of humility, openness, and receptivity woven with sympathy and empathy. My focus is given to the person who is speaking, the words they are saying along with what their body is conveying, and I am listening to what God is revealing. I let their story wash over me and find a place within me:

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 12:15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

This tender-hearted listening conveys a message of neighbor love and intrinsic value. When I take this ‘first act of love’ toward them I am making space for them and letting them know they are seen, heard, accepted, and supported. I am honoring the sacred space of our relationship with each other under God. God is able to work within this tender-hearted listening and often special and eternal things are revealed, trust flourishes, and there can be healing.

Psalms 145:19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them.