How can we pay better attention to each other?

Hebrews 5:11There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.

We can pay better attention to others by trying to understand what they are saying. Hearing someone’s words and listening to their meaning can be very different things.

James 2:3-4, 8-9If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? . . . Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

We can make sure our motives are pure. This should lead us to give attention to people without bias or discrimination. Why we listen to others is as important as what we hear. How we listen to others is as important as the words themselves.

Genesis 40:6When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset.

Matthew 9:23When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music.

Mark 3:1Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand.

Acts 14:9[He was] listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed.

We can pay better attention to others by being aware of the setting, context, and non-verbal cues. We can pay attention to more than just what people say. We can be alert to what is happening around us. We can pay attention to others’ inner strengths and needs, as well as others’ facial expressions and body language.

Proverbs 12:15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 15:31-32If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

We can pay better attention to others by being willing to accept advice and constructive criticism. Being willing to listen will remove barriers and allow us to focus more intently on what others have to say.

Acts 26:3“For I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!”

Hebrews 13:22I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to pay attention to what I have written in this brief exhortation.

James 1:19Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

We can pay better attention to others by listening patiently, quietly, and carefully. Careless or distracted listening cannot hear very much.