BLESS | Listening Like Jesus

Jesus didn’t just tolerate people—He welcomed them, especially those society ignored. When He called Matthew and dined with sinners, He did so after first noticing, listening, and drawing near. Listening creates space for relationships. James teaches that listening is essential to godly living—quick to hear, slow to speak. In our divided world, listening like Jesus can open doors the loudest arguments never could. 

Matthew 9:9–13 (ESV)

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

James 1:19–21 (ESV)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.