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In moments when our friends share their burdens, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. How do we truly respond to their pain and anxiety? It’s easy to slip into judgment or become overwhelmed ourselves, but Jesus models a different approach. Those in pain want to feel listened to, and Jesus knows this.
Consider the scene on the road to Emmaus, where sorrow engulfed two of Jesus’ disciples. They did not know the risen Christ walked beside them. They felt hopeless, confused, and consumed by their grief. Jesus listened to their whole story as they walked, but kept them from knowing His identity. Finally, as the men reached their destination, they prevailed upon the man they did not yet know was Jesus to come home with them.
And then, Luke 24:30-31 tells us:
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”
Luke 24:30-31, New International Version
Rather than chastising the men for their lack of understanding, Jesus patiently listened. He engaged them in conversation and gently shared the Scriptures, helping them uncover the hope they had lost.
What a sweet reminder of the importance of listening with an open heart. Too often, we may think we have the answers or feel pressured to respond immediately. However, the greatest gift we can offer is our presence and the willingness to listen. Jesus didn’t rush to judgment; instead, He took the time to be with them until their eyes opened and their hearts ignited with hope.
As we listen and love as Jesus did, we can ignite that same fire in those around us, leading them back to hope in Christ.
God calls us to journey alongside others, providing a refuge of patience and understanding. We don’t always have to have the perfect words or solutions; being present and letting people know they are listened to can be transformative. True compassion involves seeing others through the lens of Christ’s love, resisting the urge to put forth our opinions before truly understanding their struggles.
Dear Jesus, I want to be more like You. I want to listen to others with Spirit-filled patience. I want to speak words of wisdom when they need to be spoken. Help me be more like You, to love people the way You love them. Help me always point people to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Listen now to the short version of this Abide meditation, “Listened To,” based on Luke 24:30-31. Let God speak to your heart about your interactions with those who hurt.
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