Saturday, December 17, 2011

Learn To Listen First

One day as Jesus was walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother, Andrew, fishing with a net, for they were commercial fisherman. Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!.” -- Mark 1:16-17

Jesus was really good at meeting people where they were. He talked with Simon Peter about fishing for men because that’s the language the commercial fisherman could understand. Another time, Jesus offered the Samarian woman at the well the chance to have living water. It was language she could understand.

So how do you and I share our faith with others? How do we know what words to use when we tell others about Jesus? By listening, really listening, to what others are saying.

Those of you who rushed to say that you already listen are the very ones who need to take a step back. That’s the kind of “listening” I’m not talking about. You think you’re listening but you aren’t.

Don’t feel bad. Active, compassionate listening requires lots of practice. It isn’t something that comes naturally to any of us. But it can make all the difference when it comes to sharing your faith.

Ask the other person about his/her spiritual beliefs. Maybe have the person read a Bible passage and ask what he thinks it means. Then let the person talk. Don’t interrupt. Don’t tell the other person what he should think or say. Just listen.

Along those same lines, don’t spend the entire time the other person is talking trying to figure out what you’re going to say next. Who cares? Actively listen with your ears, your eyes and your heart. People ache to know that someone else really hears them. Be that person.

When you start listening to others, you start hearing the language they can understand. You know if they are fishermen or out to get drinking water for the day. You can hear if they’re lonely, facing financial burdens, hungry for knowledge, or whatever it is they need to tell you.

That’s the place where you share Jesus. That’s the point where you get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit lead the way. That’s the moment when hearts open and Jesus walks right on in.