James 1:19
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Listening is one of the most underestimated expressions of love. In a world full of noise, opinions, and urgency, to truly listen to another person is an act of humility and care. James reminds us that love is patient enough to pause, attentive enough to hear, and restrained enough to resist immediate judgment.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates this kind of love. He listens to desperate cries on crowded streets, to confused disciples who ask the wrong questions, and to those whose stories others are too busy to hear. Jesus’ love is marked not by interruption, but by attention.
Many of us listen in order to respond, correct, or fix. But Advent love listens simply to understand. It honors the dignity of another person by allowing their experience to exist without being reshaped or rushed. This kind of listening creates space for healing, trust, and connection.
As Christmas approaches, our schedules tighten and our patience wears thin. Ironically, this is often when people most need to be heard. Love invites us to slow down, to set aside distractions, and to offer the gift of presence. This kind of love costs time and emotional energy, but it reflects the heart of Christ, who never treats people as interruptions.
Consider today where listening might be an expression of love you are being invited into. Who in your life needs your attention more than your advice? In listening well, we echo the love of a God who hears the cries of his people and comes near.