How Listening Changes Lives

In Proverbs 20:5 I read, “Someone's thoughts may be as deep as the ocean, but if you are smart, you will discover them.” (CEV)

I’ve been looking the last few days at the things that can give me confidence in sharing the hope I have in Jesus. Today’s confidence builder is this: I can help lead anyone to Jesus if I’ll just listen for the key to their heart.

What is the key to someone’s heart? It’s their hidden hurt or unmet need.

We all have secrets in our lives, things we don’t want other people to know about. “Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal” (Romans 3:23 TLB). But when I’m able to discern a person’s struggles by listening to their heart, I’ve just discovered how to lead them to Jesus.

The Bible says, “Someone’s thoughts may be as deep as the ocean, but if you are smart, you will discover them” (Proverbs 20:5 CEV).

Keep in mind, there’s only one way to God the Father, and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). But there are many reasons people come to Jesus.

Some people come to Jesus for a miracle or to get a question answered. Some come to Jesus out of loneliness, guilt, or fear. Others are looking for purpose in life. Still others are in the middle of a relational or financial crisis.

There are lots of different reasons people are drawn to God. Stress, pain, and suffering always have a way of getting my attention.

Whatever the reason, don’t waste any opportunity to show people that all their answers and longings are found and fulfilled in Jesus.

If you want to reach a particular person for the Lord, find the key to their heart by opening up a life-changing conversation with them.

In summary, as part of sharing the hope I have in Jesus, I can help lead anyone to Jesus if I’ll just listen for the key to their heart. What is the key to someone’s heart? It’s their hidden hurt or unmet need. We all have secrets, things we don’t want other people to know about. When I’m able to discern a person’s struggles by listening to their heart, I’ve just discovered how to lead them to Jesus. Someone’s thoughts may be deep, but if I’m smart, I’ll discover them”. There’s only one way to God the Father, and that is through Jesus Christ. But there are many reasons people come to Jesus. Some come to Jesus for a miracle or to get a question answered. Some come to Jesus out of loneliness, guilt, or fear. Others are looking for purpose in life. Still others are in the middle of a relational or financial crisis. Stress, pain, and suffering always have a way of getting one’s attention. Don’t waste any opportunity to show people that all their answers and longings are found and fulfilled in Jesus. Find the key to their heart by opening up a life-changing conversation with them.

A person's thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out. Good advice lies deep within a heart, a person of understanding will draw it out. In summary, learn to ask wise questions, and to listen. Learn how to draw it out of them. Be willing to ask questions and to listen.