Have you ever had someone nod along while you’re talking, only to realize later that they didn’t actually hear a word you said? There’s a big difference between hearing and truly listening. The same is true in our relationship with God. We might hear His Word, but are we truly listening to Him? Today, we’re diving into the difference between hearing and listening and why active listening is essential in our faith, relationships, and daily lives.
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” — Matthew 11:15
Open your heart to truly listen—not just to others, but to God’s voice as well.
“Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” — James 1:22
Hearing is passive; listening is active.
Just as we can hear a sermon but not apply it, we can hear God’s voice but fail to act on it. The same goes for reading Scripture without truly comprehending it.
We have to actively listen, understand, and then apply what God is showing us.
Have you ever heard God speak to you but ignored it?
When reading the Bible, pause and reflect on how to apply it instead of just moving on.
Jesus repeatedly said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen.” When something is repeated, we are meant to pay attention—it’s important.
It’s like a parent repeating instructions to their child to ensure they are truly listening and will follow through.
When we truly listen to God’s Word, He gives us deeper understanding. He wants us to follow what He says.
“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given.” — Luke 8:18
One way to be more intentional in listening to God is to keep a journal of what He is teaching you and revisit it often.
I’ve had moments where I thought I heard something from God but wasn’t sure if it was from Him or just my own thoughts. So, I would write it down, pray, and ask, “Lord, if this is from You, please confirm it. If it’s not, remove it from my heart completely.”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
We have sheep, and they recognize each of us. Since we take turns feeding them, they know our voices because they hear us speak regularly.
Noise, busyness, and distractions keep us from truly listening to God. If we never slow down, we may hear but not recognize His voice.
Set aside quiet time each day to remove distractions, focus on God, and learn to know His voice.
What distractions keep you from fully listening to God?
True listening builds stronger relationships and brings peace.
Any relationship grows when we feel heard because it fosters connection.
When we listen before speaking, we avoid unnecessary conflict.
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” — James 1:19
I have had to learn this Scripture on many levels—especially when it comes to knowing when to keep my mouth shut. I can be an impulsive speaker and sometimes interrupt people. I try not to, but I fail daily and need to ask for forgiveness.
Be willing to humble yourself and just listen to others.
Jesus always listened before responding, even when people asked unusual questions.
He modeled patience and attentiveness—traits we should practice.
The next time someone speaks, focus fully on them instead of thinking about your response.
A great way to confirm understanding in a conversation is to repeat back what someone said. I’ve done this before, saying something like, “What I’m hearing is…” This helps the other person feel heard and understood.
We want to show patience, love, grace, and mercy to others. Being attentive in conversations is a great way to do that—it’s a valuable character trait to develop.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
We don’t often think of listening as a way to help someone carry a burden. But when we truly listen, connect, and pray with someone, we are helping carry their burden to God.
People need to feel heard, just as we do.
I saw a post that said it only takes 12 minutes of conversation to turn someone’s day around. That’s absolutely doable! Simply taking the time to listen can make a huge impact.
Being a good listener allows us to support and encourage others better.
Set a goal to be fully present in your next conversation—no multitasking!
Who in your life needs a listening ear today?
God speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and even through people around us.
“Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3
If we don’t listen, we might miss out on His wisdom and guidance.
Pray, “Lord, help me to hear You today,” and stay open to what He reveals.
Have you ever had a moment where you realized God had been speaking all along?
“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:10
Just as we tune a radio to get a clear signal, we must tune our hearts to hear God.
This requires time, prayer, and removing distractions.
Practice a listening prayer—ask God a question and sit in silence, waiting for His response.
How can you improve your ability to recognize God’s voice?
God is always listening to us, and we should reflect His love by listening well.
“The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping His eye on both the evil and the good.” — Proverbs 15:3
Listening strengthens our faith, relationships, and ability to follow God’s calling.
Working in ministry, I’ve realized I have been less intentional in my personal time with God. I spend so much time writing and reading Scripture for work that I wasn’t prioritizing my own quiet time with Him. God pointed this out to me, and now I set aside 20 minutes daily to be intentional in my personal time with Him. Though I work for God, I want to spend time with Him in a personal way too.
Set a reminder to pause and reflect on something God has spoken to you each day.
How would your life change if you truly listened to God every day?
We have explored the difference between hearing and listening—to God, to others, and in our daily lives.
Listening is a skill that takes practice, but when we slow down and tune in, we gain wisdom, deepen relationships, and draw closer to God.
Let’s not just hear God’s Word—let’s truly listen and live it out. When we open our ears and hearts to Him, He will guide us in ways we never imagined.
Hearing happens with our ears, but listening happens with our hearts.
Take time to listen today—to God, to your loved ones, and to the moments He’s placed in front of you.