Luke 8:18 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁸ Therefore, take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”

Jesus’ caution to his audience about how they listen proves just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. If one only hears the words, but not what lies behind those words, he will find himself in trouble with his spouse, children, employer, and everyone else he communicates with daily. More importantly, it could jeopardize one’s hope of eternal life. We need to consider more than the words themselves.

We must hear the words that are spoken, as well as the way it is said, the tone and the body language, to get the sense of what someone means. A common complaint of wives to husbands is that they passively listen to them, blocking out much of what they do not want to hear, because they oppose, or are not interested in what she is saying. Sadly, we tend to be less appreciative of those who are closest to us than total strangers. Active listening is a form of listening that results in the speaker and listener having a full understanding of what is meant. There are seven points to active listening:

(1) Pay close attention to what is being said; listen to the ideas behind the words. Do not just hear, but also feel the words. Let the speaker know that you are listening, by leaning forward a little, looking at him, not staring, but having sufficient eye contact.

(2) Look at a facial expression, the tone of the voice, the inflection of the voice, the mood and body language. Get at the feelings behind the words. People generally do not say all that is on their mind or convey their true feelings at times, so the listener must pay close attention to the non-verbal signs.

(3)  Turn off your internal thinking as much as possible. In other words, do not be thinking of how to respond to certain points while he is still talking, because you are going to miss the whole of what he has said.

(4)  Let the speaker know you are paying attention by nodding from time to time, as well as acknowledging with verbal gestures.

(5) Reiterate is not a common word, but it means to repeat what you think the person meant by what they said, but in your own words, to see if you understood them correctly. “So, you mean … right?”

(6) The person you are speaking with will acknowledge that you are correct, or he will correct you and will restate what they meant, and likely in a more comprehensive way since you misunderstood. Pay even closer attention as they explain again, what they meant.

(7) When they have explained their message again, you must repeat your reiteration.

Considering how to listen proves vital if we are going to be an effective evangelizer. There has been no greater teacher than Jesus Christ because he was an effective communicator, as well as an active listener. While some may be effective speakers, very motivational and moving, they lack teaching skills. Every time we open our mouths to share the Good News with another person, be it five minutes, or an ongoing study with them, we must build a relationship with them.

The Scriptural Foundation for Listening

Listening is a critical skill in apologetic evangelism, reflecting a biblical command to be attentive and considerate in our interactions. James 1:19 emphasizes this principle: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” This verse underscores the importance of listening as a means to gain understanding and build rapport, rather than simply preparing to respond.

The Role of Listening in Understanding Beliefs

Effective evangelism requires an understanding of the beliefs, doubts, and questions that people have. Listening attentively allows us to comprehend the worldview of those we are engaging with, which is crucial for addressing their specific concerns in a meaningful way. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) exemplifies this approach. By listening to her and asking probing questions, Jesus was able to speak directly to her deepest needs and spiritual thirst.

Listening as a Tool for Building Relationships

Listening builds trust and shows genuine interest in the person, not just the outcome of the conversation. When people feel heard, they are more likely to be open and honest in their communication. This openness paves the way for deeper discussions and a greater impact of the gospel. The apostle Paul often started his evangelistic efforts by first understanding the culture and beliefs of his audience, as seen in his approach to the Athenians in Acts 17:22-23, where he references their own altar to an unknown god.

Overcoming Barriers Through Empathetic Listening

Empathetic listening involves putting oneself in the other person’s shoes and understanding their emotions and perspectives without judgment. This type of listening can effectively break down barriers of hostility or skepticism. Proverbs 20:5 states, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” By listening with empathy, we can uncover the underlying issues that may be preventing someone from embracing the gospel.

Practical Steps for Enhancing Listening Skills

1. Focus on the Speaker: Give undivided attention to the speaker, avoiding distractions. This shows respect and valuing what the other person has to say.
2. Reflect and Clarify: Periodically summarize what the speaker has said to ensure understanding. This technique not only clarifies the message but also shows that you are engaged and care about getting it right.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper discussion by asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. This helps in exploring the beliefs and feelings of the speaker more thoroughly.
4. Avoid Interrupting: Let the other person finish their thoughts without interruption. This respect for their expression can open more doors than any persuasive argument might.

The Spiritual Importance of Being a Good Listener

Listening is not only a practical skill but also a spiritual discipline. It reflects the love and respect that we are called to show as followers of Christ. In doing so, we embody the compassionate and attentive nature of God, who listens to our prayers and understands our needs. Being a good listener in evangelism not only makes us better communicators of the gospel but also more Christ-like in our interactions.

By prioritizing good listening in apologetic evangelism, we align ourselves more closely with biblical teachings and enhance our effectiveness in ministry. It allows us to connect on a deeper level, address the real questions and objections that people have, and demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible and impactful way.

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