By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 NIV
The first duty of love is to listen. Paul Tillich
Can you think of a time when someone sat with you face to face, leaned in, and listened intently as you shared a story with them of when you were hurt, betrayed or abandoned in some way? Or perhaps you felt stuck or overwhelmed. What was that like for you?
We embody the love and the heart of God, the hands and feet of Jesus when we are present to each other and offer attuned care. What does this look like on a practical level when we are sitting face to face with someone who begins to share their story and heart?
Intentional, helpful listening is:
- Keeping your mind and heart open and curious.
- Being fully present. When you are fully present and engaged, you communicate, “You are important, and so are the things you are saying. I hear you. I see you. I care about you and your story. It matters.”
- Offering them the dignity of being heard - having their story witnessed.
We each have different styles of relating, and yet there are ways we can be with another person that show care, honor, kindness, and compassion in ways that have the potential to facilitate healing!
