When Did We Stop Listening?

When did we stop listening to one another?

When did we lose the simple courtesy of giving our full attention to the one speaking?

Has it always been this way, and we’ve just gotten used to it?

Few things are more frustrating than talking to someone who interrupts, cuts you off, or talks over you. Even when they let you speak, you can tell they’re not really listening—they’re just planning their next words. Sometimes people even ask for advice but never slow down enough to let you give it.

And it makes me wonder: what does that say about us?

Listening is more than hearing words—it’s valuing people. Proverbs 18:13 says, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” God calls it foolishness to speak before truly hearing. Why? Because listening shows love.

When Jesus walked this earth, He listened. Crowds pressed in on Him, but He paused to hear the blind man cry out. He turned aside to listen to the woman with the issue of blood. He stopped in His tracks to hear the questions of His disciples. Jesus never brushed people off. He gave them dignity by giving them His attention.

Listening is humility in action. Philippians 2:3 tells us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” To listen is to lay down the need to control the conversation. It’s to say, “What you’re saying matters. You matter.”

We live in a culture that prizes talking points over relationships, arguments over understanding. But the Kingdom way is different. James 1:19 tells us plainly: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Imagine if we took that seriously.

Conversations would shift.

Marriages would heal.

Friendships would deepen.

Churches would grow stronger.

Maybe the best ministry you can give this week isn’t your words, but your ears.

Who in your life needs you to truly listen—not to fix them, not to outtalk them, not to prepare your comeback—but to give them your full attention and love?

Ask God for the grace to be “quick to listen” today.