Stop, Look, Listen

Ever been in a conversation where you are sharing your heart and soul and the one you are talking to just doesn't seem to be listening? Have you ever been that person who is supposed to be listening and well.....not? It may be time for us to check ourselves and.....

When people make themselves vulnerable and think they can trust someone enough to share their lives, personal stuff, worries, fears, they should be able to sense the person they are sharing it with is interested, cares and is listening. But, that's not always the case.😔

It's a fact of life, everyone has troubles of some kind, some more than others, but personally I have found that when I take time to listen, care and be kind, my own troubles fade into the background, at least for a time. As I get older I have learned that there are very few people who seem to listen and care; I think it is because we can get so caught up in our own world, we become desensitised to others.

There's another thing that's taken me a looooonnnngggg time to learn, not to 'absorb' others pain, taking it on myself that causes me to worry for them and the worst thing is trying to 'fix them or the situation'.....it's exhausting!! 🥴

If we take time each day to think of others by not looking inward to ourselves, looking out for them, listening to them and just 'being there' could be a hug, a kind word, offer of help, a cup of tea, anything to let them know you care.

By now you must know I will bring an example of the One who knows all our problems, weakness, frailties and is the epitome of kindness, compassion and love......Jesus Himself.

Here's the story of the woman with an issue of blood is found in the New Testament Gospels: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. She suffered from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years, which made her ceremonially unclean under Jewish law and caused social isolation. Believing that touching Jesus' garment would heal her, she touched it in a crowd, and her bleeding stopped instantly.

Woman touching the hem of Jesus' garment

Jesus then called out, recognizing that power had gone out from him, and confirmed her healing, telling her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace"

Of course the woman wanted to be healed, but it was more than that to Jesus; He SAW her faith. Her faith made her well, faith in Jesus Himself.

There are many other accounts (which I am sure I will share) where Jesus SAW people. He saw the human need, didn't judge or condemn, only the religious ones, the religious leaders who thought they knew better, thought they knew God because of their religion, law and tradition (Luke 5v32) Jesus came for the sick and the needy; this didn't just mean in mind and body but the ones who needed a Saviour, the Ones who would accept Him. That's why you would find Him with the lepers, prostitutes, adulteresses, blind, demoniacs, fishermen, tax collectors; He SAW people, had compassion. The bible says 'He went about with Grace and Truth'. So, hopefully we will start to stop and look so we can listen and be there for others instead of looking inward to ourselves. The world would be a better place for it; thing is, it starts with you and me.