I was never very good at debate. In school, I recall cringing at just the thought of it.

Not because I couldn’t master the art of a particular topic or speak clearly about something I was passionate about.

It was more because interrupting, talking over one another, and attempting to be the loudest voice in the room seemed to be prerequisites.

Political pundits are a perfect example of this. Turn on any 24-hour news channel and you’ll find them demonstrating this behavior while filling the airwaves with their opinions, views, and perspectives.

The courtesy of listening doesn’t appear to factor into their verbal jousting matches at all.

Granted, that’s an extreme example, but the heart of it plays out in so many areas of our own lives.

How well do we really listen?

In a world where people are clamoring to be seen, heard, and validated, the art of listening has certainly become more rare.

We act as though we’re responsible for making others see our point of view at the expense of truly listening to theirs.

Many times, we speak from a place of raw emotions and, as a result, don’t always take time to breath and respond in a manner inspired by God’s Holy Spirit.

James 1 holds a powerful verse about listening.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger…” (vs. 19 CSB)

That pronoun at the beginning of that statement is an absolute catch-all, isn’t it?

Everyone.

Regardless of our personality, how we were raised, the situation we might find ourselves in, or how badly we feel those around us need to hear what’s on our minds, God expects us all to be active listeners before we open our mouths.

In our families, at our jobs, in our communities, and wherever else God is pleased to position us, listening is key.

When we listen well, we love well.

Author Karen Ehman summarizes it so well: “Listening includes paying attention to another person…when we really listen, we give careful attention not just to the words a person says but also to the feelings he or she is trying to communicate. Listening requires attending to the other person’s heart.” (Keep It Shut)

Then, if a response is warranted once we’ve listened, we can more readily respond with words that are purposeful, grace-infused, and truth-based.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!