Read through the Gospels and you’ll find many instances of Jesus communicating with people. Pay careful attention and you’ll notice that He not only spoke to people but Jesus actively listened to them as well.
How Jesus Actively Listened to People
The following acrostic of the word LISTEN pulls out some of the key elements of active listening demonstrated by Jesus.
L – Love
Jesus listened without prejudice.
I – Inquire
Jesus often asked people questions.
S – Stop
Jesus didn’t let busyness keep Him from listening.
T – Test
Jesus patiently drew out what was inside people.
E – Engage
Jesus stayed in the moment as He ministered to people.
N – Nudge
Jesus demonstrated a life of listening to His heavenly Father (Mk. 1:35) so when He nudged people to also listen (Matt. 15:10; Lk. 8:18), He knew what He was asking of them.
You’ll find this acrostic in the Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders with a brief explanation for each word of how Christ actively listened in that way along with implications for leaders.
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
Thanks for sharing this
Thank you. Very insightful.