Because love listens.

Devotional

Jusus said, “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” Luke 8:18

To love well is to listen well. Every person carries a story—a journey, a longing, a hidden ache or hope and when we truly listen, we are offering more than silence; we are offering presence. Attentive listening is one of the most powerful ways we can reflect God’s heart and make room for his gospel to take root in someone’s life. It’s the simple yet sacred choice to put another person first; not by talking, correcting, or preaching but by being present. Every time we listen with care, we prepare the ground for eternal seeds to be sown. In that sacred moment, we become a vessel of God’s love.

Listening is more than hearing words. It is the posture of the heart that says, “You matter. You are worth my time. I want to know you.” It’s a powerful expression of love that mirrors how God listens to us—attentively, patiently, without interruption. As we slow down to listen, something beautiful happens: the walls come down, and hearts open up. The soil of the soul becomes soft and ready for the seed of the gospel.

In a world full of noise and distractions, it takes intentionality to truly listen. It begins with focus. Focus is the gift of attention. When we put aside our phones, clear our minds, and turn our full selves toward another person, we make room for love to be felt. With focused attention, we declare that the other person is seen, heard, and honoured.

From focus flows curiosity; the desire to understand, not to analyse or fix, but to genuinely care. Curiosity listens with wonder, not judgment. It gently asks, “Can you tell me more?” or “How did that affect you?” It leans in with grace, giving space for someone to share what matters to them most. But it doesn’t stop there. Curiosity also opens our spiritual eyes to see what God might be doing beneath the surface. In every story, there is a divine thread, and we are invited to ask, “Lord, how are you moving in this person’s life? How can I join you in loving them well?”

As we listen with open hearts and curious spirits, the Holy Spirit offers us insight and divine wisdom that meets the moment. Sometimes it’s the right question. Sometimes it’s a gentle truth, a timely encouragement, or a quiet prompting. Insight isn’t about being clever; it’s about being yielded. It’s about letting the Spirit guide our words so they become life-giving, even when they challenge. Jesus once told a rich young man to sell everything and follow Him. The young man left saddened; but we never know how those Spirit-led moments unfold over time. God’s word, once sown, never returns void.

To listen well is to partner with heaven in loving the people around us. Focused attention, genuine curiosity, and Spirit-led insight—these are not techniques, but expressions of God’s heart through us. As we grow in listening, we grow in love. And as we love more deeply, we reflect the one who first loved us.

You are fully known and fully loved by the Father. Let that love overflow in your next conversation. Be present. Be curious. Be willing to receive insight from the Holy Spirit. Ask God to give you fresh compassion and supernatural patience. Think of someone in your life today and ask them something real, something kind, something that says, “I care.” Because love listens.