Generosity of Listening

by Julie May

On a recent Monday night, I was still reflecting on the gathering we had at church a few hours before. Thinking through all who attended, all that was shared, all the prayer requests, sorting it all in my mind, I was making mental notes when the Holy Spirit spoke to me giving me the vision of ears; no kidding – ears. He reminded me how very important it is to be generous with our ears. It was a reminder and clarification that ears are for listening, and that listening attentively to others is a gift to love them well. Active listening is significant and we have had many conversations about it with our team of facilitators within the ministry we are involved in.  

I was curious, so I headed to the computer to find out if the internet would come up with what we have studied in training classes on Active Listening. I searched ‘being generous with my ears’ and immediately this came up: 

Overview 

"Being generous with your ears" means being a good listener, actively paying attention to what someone is saying, and giving them your full focus without interrupting, essentially offering your time and attention to hear someone out fully; it's like "lending an ear" to someone in need of being heard.  

Key points about being generous with your ears

Active listening: 
Not just passively hearing words but actively engaging with the speaker by making eye contact, nodding, and showing by other nonverbal cues that you are present and engaged.  

Empathy: 
Trying to understand the speaker's emotions and perspective, not just their words.  

Non-judgmental attitude: 
Accepting what the speaker is saying without interrupting or criticizing.  

Giving your full attention: 
Avoiding distractions like phones or other thoughts while someone is speaking.  

I was happy with what I found but also learned I had much more work to do to be a generous active listener! 

Generosity, as I've learned over the years, is so much more than monetary. Although the Bible provides plenty of examples that encourage material generosity, the Bible also shows that generosity and other good character traits can be expressed in a multitude of ways. 

The simplest thing, such as being present with someone, can be a gift like gold. Being present and really listening to them and their story – even if words aren't spoken – is huge. Just being present can have a big Kingdom impact on someone's life. When we listen and truly spend time with someone we will hear and see (generosity with our eyes) what they truly need.  

There are many examples of generosity in the Bible where believers heard and saw others in need. Hospitable strangers gave the disciples food, shelter, and clothing as they traveled sharing the Gospel. The believers shared their resources so that no one lacked anything they needed (Acts 4:32-37). They realized the need, took into consideration what they could do to help, and freely gave. 

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught (Isaiah 50:4). God awakens the prophet’s ear to listen and learn, ensuring his words are inspired and timely. 

When we listen, we are being like Jesus. He is the great teacher! He listened to the woman at the well in John 4, He listened to the two men on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, and He listened to the woman whom He healed in Luke 8.  

In Mark 10, a blind man, Bartimaeus, called out for Jesus. The crowd tried to silence the man. But Jesus heard Bartimaeus and called him over. Then Jesus said, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus knew the answer; He knew Bartimaeus was blind. Jesus was doing something for Bartimaeus that no one had done in a very long time. He was listening to him! He demonstrated that Bartimaeus was valuable, worthy, accepted, known and loved. Everyone has a story to tell, even Bartimaeus. Listening is such a high form of affirmation. 

In Prescriptions for a Tired Housewife, James Dobson observes, “For some strange reason, human beings ... tolerate stress and pressure much more easily if at least one other person knows they are enduring it.” If we learn to ask perceptive questions and then wait for answers, we can be that “one other person” someone needs to share the burdens of his life. 

A good listener gives them the opportunity to share without being judged, interrupted, or redirected. They will feel safe and unhurried, so they are more likely to feel comfortable expressing what they need - therefore we will know how best to serve them in a generous way. 

Jesus commanded us, “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18). 

Jesus's words here emphasize the importance of attentive and discerning listening, highlighting that a receptive heart will be given more understanding. It's a call to be thoughtful and mindful when receiving information, as the quality of one's listening directly impacts their spiritual and intellectual growth. 

Lord, May I be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:9). 

I pray that I would become more like Jesus and really listen to what people are saying, that I would be generous with my ears and my time and not have a wandering mind, letting distractions interfere with what is most important - generous in relationships. Amen. 

One last note: I understand there are those that cannot hear with their ears. We see you; we love you. I have a strong feeling that those who communicate by sign language are much better listeners than I could ever be. I see how attentive you are with each other. It’s beautiful.