Jesus is our ultimate example. He asked over 300 simple and brilliant questions in the gospels, engaging with individuals of all walks of life. He often stopped what he was doing to offer care to hurting people and embraced their interruptions. I wish I could have witnessed his body language and the love he showed as he conversed with ordinary people around him. I wonder how he bore witness to their stories of pain as well as their joys. Here are a few of the questions Jesus is recorded asking:

  • What do you want me to do for you? Matthew 20:32, Mark 10:36, 51 Luke 18:41, John 1:38 NIV
  • Why are you afraid? Matthew 8:26 NLT
  • Do you believe that I am able to do this? Matthew 9:28 NIV

Our prayer is that all of this will help you to move in union with God as Jesus did, so that when listening, you may see an entry point into someone’s story when appropriate, asking questions, allowing for a deeper level of engagement with the person sitting next to you.

Loving Through Listening

Loving Through Listening Reading Plan

What if listening is the kindest, most honoring way to love someone? One of the most remarkable skills anyone can ever practice, listening is creating an environment in which another person feels heard, understood, known, cared for...loved. Through these 8 days, we invite you to consider the value and the impact of listening well, and how cultivating and practicing listening brings healing and integration.

Day 1: Why Does Listening Well Matter?
Day 2: Helpful Listening and Responding
Day 3: Your Presence Matters
Day 4: Unhelpful Listening and Responding
Day 5: Bear With Me
Day 6: Asking Meaningful Questions
Day 7: The Importance of Naming
Day 8: Silence is Golden

Want more? Download Loving Through Listening 8 day Reading Plan for free today.