I Can’t Love People Without Listening to Them

In review of Romans 15:2 it says, “We must bear the ‘burden’ of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others” (TLB).

Romans 15:2

I should be considerate and help others do what is right, building them up in the Lord.

Listening is probably the most important skill in building friendships and relationships, because I can’t love people without listening to them.

There’s a big difference between hearing and listening. I can hear something and not really be listening. Sometimes the words don’t even matter. Somebody can say to me, “I’m fine,” but the way they say it tells me they’re not. Listening means I also hear what the person isn’t saying.

This is called empathy. Empathy means to put myself in the other person’s shoes and learn their point of view. I ask myself, “How would I feel if I were in that situation?”

Listening with empathy means I listen without interruption and I listen for fears and feelings. I listen for what they aren’t saying. I’m not trying to fix the situation. Often healing comes just by listening!

Romans 15:2 says, “We must bear the ‘burden’ of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others” (TLB).

What does it mean for me to be considerate or to bear the burden of a doubt of others? It means that when people are in so much pain and hurting so badly that they don’t even know what they believe, they need the devotion of a loyal friend, someone who will be present and listen with empathy.

Bottom Line:

Be considerate, help others do what is right.

What this means to me:

I am to be considerate and help build others up do what is right.

In summary, I need to be considerate and help others do what is right. Listening is probably the most important skill in building friendships and relationships. I can love others without listening to them. There's a big difference between hearing and listening. Listening means I also hear what the person isn't saying. This is empathy and it's where I put myself in the other person's shoes and learn their point of view. I need to listen without interruption and listen for fears and feelings. Often healing comes by listening. Others need the devotion of a loyal friend, someone who will be present and listen with empathy.

Father I feel that you are speaking to me and preparing me for conversations I will have this week, especially as I being meeting with team members one-on-one or with any other conversations I might have with others. I pray this morning that I will recognize these situations when they arise and not miss them. I do truly want to make a difference in the lives of others. I also pray Father for your wisdom and guidance as I handle my first day back from vacation. Help me to lead my team, assist other and respond rightly. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen.