Wellness Wednesday – “Listening: The First Step to Empathy”
Empathy begins with listening. In a world that constantly speaks, asserts opinions, and demands attention, listening is a rare and powerful gift. It is a vital marker of spiritual wellness in the GPS Spiritual Inventory’s “Social” component—the capacity to empathize with others. As we grow in our relationship with God and develop a clear sense of our identity in Christ apart from the world’s demands, as followers of Jesus we gain a greater ability to see others as they truly are: flawed and gifted, yet deeply loved by God as well. This perspective opens the door to true empathy, allowing us to connect with people at the point of their real needs rather than our assumptions about them.
Empathy is not simply about feeling for someone; it is about considering things from their experience with a compassionate presence. And the first step in fostering empathy within ourselves for another starts with listening. As James 1:19-20 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Deep listening creates space for healing, trust, and transformation. When we listen, we affirm another’s worth and dignity, offering them a tangible expression of God’s love. God gave us all one mouth and two ears for a reason. The world would be a very different place if we all spoke a little less and listened a little more.
But listening is not just an act of kindness—it is an essential way that God’s love flows through us to others. Imagine a body of water that only receives but never gives; eventually, it stagnates, like the Dead Sea or the Great Salt Lake. For water to be living, it must have both an inlet and an outlet. The same is true of God’s love in our lives. If we only receive His love in Christ but never let it flow out to others, we become spiritually stagnant. One of the most vital ways we allow God’s love to flow outward is through empathetic listening. When we truly hear others, we become vessels of God’s grace, offering life-giving connection and healing.
Jesus Modeled Listening
One of the most powerful examples of listening in Scripture comes from Jesus’ encounter with Bartimaeus, the blind beggar (Mark 10:46-52). Though surrounded by a noisy crowd, Jesus stopped and truly heard Bartimaeus’ cry for mercy. Rather than assuming what Bartimaeus needed, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus could have assumed Bartimaeus’ need, but instead, He listened, creating a sacred space for Bartimaeus to express his desire for healing. This question demonstrates the heart of empathetic listening: seeking to understand before offering help. Because Jesus listened, Bartimaeus not only received physical sight but also experienced the transforming power of faith and relationship. And with a listening, empathetic ear, we can do the same for others daily.
Levels of Listening
Listening is a skill we can develop, moving from surface-level interactions to deep, transformative conversations. Consider these three levels of listening:
- Listening to respond – Focused on preparing what to say next rather than truly hearing the other person.
- Listening to understand – Seeking to grasp the other’s perspective without rushing to judgment or advice.
- Spiritual/Intuitive listening – Tuning into both the spoken words and the deeper needs of the heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your response.
Keys to Empathetic Listening
Active listening requires intention and humility. The following practices can help you cultivate an intentional habit of listening in your daily life:
- Check your ego at the door – Make the conversation about the other person, not about proving a point or offering quick fixes.
- Believe that every person is worthy of your ears – Honor the dignity of others by giving them your full attention.
- Take time to listen – True listening requires patience and presence.
- Pay attention to feelings – Words convey information, but emotions reveal deeper truths.
- Recognize that transformation comes from their words, not yours – People heal when they can express their own experiences, not when we rush to provide solutions.
- Listen without judgment and with compassion – A safe space fosters trust and openness.
- Listen like a loving parent listens to a child – With gentleness, care, and a readiness to embrace rather than correct.
Listening as a Path to Trust and Healing
Empathetic listening is more than a skill—it is a ministry. When people feel genuinely heard, they begin to heal. Their broken trust in others and in God can be restored, opening them to deeper relationships and renewed faith. As we develop the ability to listen, we mirror God’s attentive love, becoming instruments of His grace in the lives of others.
Just as water must flow in and out to remain fresh and life-giving, so too must God’s love flow through us. Listening is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to let that love move outward. If we receive God’s love but never extend it through compassionate listening, we risk becoming spiritually stagnant. But when we open our hearts and ears to others, we allow Jesus’ love to transform both us and those we encounter.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to grow in your capacity to listen and connect with others on a deeper level? The GPS Spiritual Inventory is a valuable tool to help you assess your relationship with God, yourself, and others. Click the link below to take the assessment and begin your journey toward greater spiritual health. Use the code “tguse” to take the inventory free of charge. Afterward, contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to debrief your results.
[Take the GPS Spiritual Inventory]
Let’s make 2025 a year of spiritual growth and transformation as we deepen our trust in God’s unfailing love and cultivate the art of truly listening to others.
