Because of the Gospel, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves in scope, time, and effect. That should motivate us, even when it comes to listening.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matt. 24:14)
He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 Jn. 2:2)
The Gospel Breaks Down Hindrances to Listening
One of the biggest hindrances to being a good listener is the need to be heard. It’s like we think what we have to say matters more than what others think and seek to communicate. Getting beyond this self-centered need requires something bigger than ourselves. We have that when we grasp the scope of the Gospel.
When compelled by the Gospel, we’re willing to set aside our own interests for the sake of the bigger picture. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Matt. 8:34-34)
We Have a Reason to Listen That Transcends Our Own Interests
The Gospel is about Jesus coming to earth to die in our place. He took on “the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:7-8). If He willingly sacrificed Himself for us, surely we can at least lay aside our own interests to attend to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4) by listening to them. There are many ways we “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27).
We must remember that “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:2). Such grace, as demonstrated in the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:9-10), should cause us to say something like, “It’s not just about me. I don’t deserve this salvation any more than another person. In Christ we are on the same plane (Gal. 3:28) so what I think, even as a leader, doesn’t hold more weight. I need to be willing to listen to others and not just be heard.”
When we view each other as partners in the Gospel (Phil. 1:4-6), what the other person thinks matters. We’re in this together. Therefore, the Gospel gives us a reason to listen.
Listening is a part of Christ-like communication. Check out the Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders.
For More on These Topics, Go To:
All Posts about Listening Skills:
- Start by Listening to God
- Getting Others On Board Starts by Listening
- Listening, A Core Element of Body Life
- Why We Start by Listening to the Lord
- Why Listen to Others
- Jesus Actively Listened
- Christ-like Listening Communicates
- If Listening Doesn’t Come Naturally
- Is Listening One of Your Weaknesses?
- Listening Enhanced with the Help of the Holy Spirit
- Praying According to God’s Will Begins & Ends with Listening
- Want Someone to Listen?
- Scripture Equips Us to Listen
- Doing Everything in His Name Makes Us Better Listeners
- The Gospel Gives Us a Reason to Listen
- Strongholds That Keep Us from Being Good Listeners
- The Resurrection Gives What We Need to be Better Listeners
- Listening Affects Fulfilling Leadership Roles