My three year old granddaughter can tune a person out with the best of them! Seriously. There are times one could almost believe she didn’t hear you at all. As I watch her tune out, I realize this might be genetic as I can do the same thing when I get lost in reading a good book.
Jesus also experienced this problem with those He spoke. He described them as having a stubborn unbelief and rejection of Him …
That is why I use these parables. For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. (Matthew 13: 13, NLT)
Jesus explained to His disciples, He would continue to teach as long as they were willing to listen to His words and thus, they would gain even greater understanding. To those, unwilling to listen, even that which they understood would lessen. Hearts had grown cold, calloused if you would, to the words which Jesus spoke. When people had faith and their hearts were receptive, He was prepared to give even more. Truth will either soften or harden a heart.
As I have thought on this for a bit, I remembered something Winnie-the-Pooh said: “Take the fluff out of your ear.”
What are we to do when the person we are talking with doesn’t appear to be listening or receiving our words?
Be patient.
As our God is surely patient …
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)
Our God is patiently waiting for all who will come to know Him. He is not indifferent nor impotent but rather waits for each of us to respond to His call.
May we, too, wait patiently.
The small fluff will fall out in His time.
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Women With Intention and Three Word Wednesday .
I love this post and I love the quote from Winnie the Pooh. Sometimes it takes me a little while to process things. It may seem as if I am not listening but I really just need a day or two to contemplate and work things through.
So funny you mention this as I like to take time to process as well. Although I will say, most times I acknowledge that I have heard & let the person know I will get back to them. The Pooh quote sure made me think on this though 🙂
Great analogy. I want to be a better listener! Thank you for linking-up for Three Word Wednesday. It’s a joy to have you. Thank you for sharing what God is teaching you.
Me too, Katie. I desire to listen & respond to Him much better. Thank you for hosting us today!
I have a son who has Central Auditory Processing Disorder. One of the symptoms can be not appearing to listen when really the background noise has made it impossible to “understand” or even know someone is talking to you. Sometimes they might hear your voice, but have no clue about what you’re saying. He has to see someone’s face/mouth often to determine what’s being said. In context to your delightful message (I love a little Pooh) – then sometimes we need to be more intentional, be face-to-face, get close up to really know 1)God and 2)someone we’re witnessing to. I loved your post:)
Love what you drew out from your experience & shared with me. So very true. May we remember to be intentional, getting down to the person’s level, face to face to interact & make it more personal to them. So glad you shared your thoughts with me!
Joanne,
I can relate to getting lost in a good book…and oh, to be a better listener and for more patience 🙂
I am so with you … may we both be better listeners & more patience. Blessings!