Living in the Garden of Grace: The Ministry of Listening
Inspired by insights from David Kuykendall’s devotional
"When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.'"
— Matthew 8:10
In this passage, Jesus marvels at the faith of a centurion—but notice how that moment began. Jesus first listened. The centurion’s words of faith came alive because Jesus gave him His full, undivided attention. This act of listening wasn’t merely polite; it was a powerful ministry in itself.
Consider a well-tended garden. Every flower blooms best when it receives the sunlight and water it needs. A gardener who observes each plant’s condition and provides its unique requirements will see it flourish. Listening is like that sunlight and water—it nourishes the soul. When we listen to God or others, we become gardeners of grace, cultivating growth and healing through our attention.
Listening to God
Listening to God is foundational to a life lived in His will. He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and the circumstances He allows. When we surrender our ears to Him, He guides us into truth and equips us to minister effectively. This surrender might look like setting aside distractions, creating space in your day to be quiet before Him, and asking, “Lord, what would You have me know today?”
Listening to Others
Listening to others is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to show love. It communicates value and compassion. Imagine how rare it is in today’s hurried world to feel truly heard! Someone once said, “If you give a child your full attention, it may be the first time they’ve ever experienced it.” This is true for adults as well—listening can be a profound act of grace.
When we listen to others, while also being attentive to God, He often reveals the deeper needs of the person before us. Like the centurion’s words of faith, the words we hear from others often have layers of meaning. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we may see beyond the surface to the heart of the matter.
A Ministry of the Ears
The act of listening is more than a skill; it’s a ministry. By yielding our ears to God’s purposes, we become conduits of His love. Listening isn’t passive—it’s active obedience, whether it’s leaning into His voice or giving someone our undivided attention.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of listening. I surrender my ears to You, that I may hear Your voice and the hearts of those You bring into my life. Teach me to listen with love and attentiveness, and guide me to respond in ways that reflect Your grace. May my listening be a ministry that nourishes others and glorifies You. Amen.
Final Thought:
Listening is like tending a garden—it requires time, patience, and care. But as you lean into God’s voice and truly hear others, you’ll witness the flourishing of faith, healing, and connection in ways only He can orchestrate.