Episode 246:
Listening to God Attentively
September 6, 2022
“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
That scripture is often used to invite people to reflect on their calling. Discernment of our calling is certainly a great reason to listen to God. But, there are at least three reasons we listen to God attentively. As we pray and search the scriptures, here are three reasons we listen.
Who is God?
Christ-centered leaders listen for who God is. Scripture is God’s story. It’s a story of God’s love for us and for all creation. The narrative arc of scripture moves us from creation to the fall to redemption and finally restoration. At each juncture, we learn more about who God is and the love of God we know in Jesus.
Who Am I in Relationship to Jesus?
In scripture, we listen to God to reveal who we are in relationship with Christ. We are formed and transformed by encountering Christ’s love for us. An often quoted scripture comes from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…”
Who are We in Relationship with Others?
This is an invitation to respond to God’s love by loving others, as God has loved us. As we listen to God and respond to God’s goodness and grace, we’re being shaped in the image of Jesus. When we listen to God, we respond with love. When we listen to God, we respond with generosity. When we listen to God, we respond with gratitude. When we listen to God, we recognize the journey of becoming more like Jesus is a constant response to God’s goodness and presence in our midst.
How is Christ’s love shaping, challenging, and inviting you to love God and love your neighbor?
Other Episodes in this mini-series
Episode 241: 7 Reasons People Don’t Listen to You
Episode 242: 5 Characteristics of Good Listeners
Episode 243: Listening at the Deepest Level
Episode 244: Are You Listening to God Through the People Are You?