When we love others, we listen to them. Sure, it takes time and effort to focus on them and hear what they are saying. But when we do, it shows genuine concern and respect.

Author Wayne Alderson tells of a young minister who spent a lot of time listening to the problems of his church members. One day he came home and said to his wife, "How did your day go?" For a half-hour she told him about a problem with the car, their son's earache, and the difficulties she had getting an appliance repaired. The pastor immediately began to problem-solve, citing a list of things she should do.

But she just looked at him and sighed. "I have already done all of that," she said. "I don't need you to solve my problems. I just need you to be interested in what I've been through."

When the author of Psalm 119 pleaded, "Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness" (v.149), he was expressing the truth that the God who loves us also listens to us. Listening is a part of loving.

Listening to a wife, a husband, a fellow worker, or a Christian friend may be just what that person needs to be encouraged or to see a problem more clearly. Go ahead and listen. God Himself shows that love listens.    — David C. Egner