I made a statement in a recent weekend service that went like this: “If heaven and hell are real, the most loving thing you can do is lead someone to Jesus.”

 

This week let’s spend our devotional time investing in the pursuit of becoming someone who is able to help someone else discover Life by introducing them to Jesus.

 

Let’s start with an aspect of practical love that is often overlooked: L I S T E N I N G

 

@pwilson (Pete Wilson) recently tweeted this quote from Scott Ginsberg:

 

“Listening is not waiting to talk.”

 

Wow. Read that again.

 

If I’m wanting to build credibility with someone in such a way as they’ll want to hear what I have to say, there’s no better place to start than actually listening to them. Really listening.

 

Talk about practical love! There is so much good that comes from caring enough to listen. In fact, read the following words from the Apostle Paul and tell me if “listening” might be the most important thing you do before you open your mouth.

 

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4:5-6 MSG)

 

How in the world would you or I be able to “make the most of every opportunity” if we’re not paying attention to what’s going on in their heart and life?

 

Today, look for opportunities to listen. The talking part can come later. Just show someone you care (practical love) by letting them talk. Pay attention! It might be seriously valuable when it is your turn to talk.

 

Prayer thought:

In our flesh we are selfish, selfishness is what comes natural to us. In the Spirit we can be love, joy, peace and perseverance. We can be kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. And we can have SELF CONTROL! Self control to listen without waiting to talk. Self control to listen in a sacrificial way, not in an “entertain ME” kind of way. (Galatians 5:22-23)

 

How do we bear these fruits? How can these become more of a natural response for us? It can start with a simple prayer..

 

Lord, fill me with you; fill me with your Spirit, so that I may bear these fruits! 

 

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8 NIV)