Selective Listening Is Never Listening

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock." // Matthew 7:24

I have always thought myself to be a fairly good listener.

However, last summer my sister handed me a slice of humble pie, gently letting me know that sometimes I can be a selective listener. Ouch, thanks a lot, Annie!

Unaware on my part, I didn't always see how I turned the conversation to me or was listening only to respond, which is not listening. While it was a bit uncomfortable to receive this insight, it has helped me grow into a better listener and been a good lesson to apply to other relationships in my life.

I think all of us would agree there is a clear difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is much simpler. When you hear the other person, you literally hear their words while you may not hear the layers of emotion being conveyed. When we listen with attentiveness, we pay attention to things like the tone of voice and facial expression.

Much of our day is spent in casual conversations, the hum-drum of daily life. Yet, do we recognize when another person needs us to truly listen to him or her? Do we sometimes struggle with selective listening in our daily relationships?

Just as we want people in our lives to listen to us, Jesus also wants us to listen to Him. He desires and invites us to listen with the ears of our heart, as we read in today's Gospel (Mark 7:24-27). Then we will be like the man who build his house on the rock, a solid and steady foundation.

Where are the spaces in our lives we need to better listen with the ears of our hearts first to Jesus, and then to those in our lives?

Holy Spirit, open our hearts (and ears!) to be women who listen with the ears of our hearts.

He desires and invites us to listen with the ears of our heart. // @amoderngraceClick to tweet

listen to today’s devotion