Day 30 – Leading by Listening

“𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶” 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 4:8

Not all of us are naturally born leaders, but all of us are born to be disciples. God has given us everything we need to be successful disciples for Him, and one of the greatest gifts is the ability to listen and to develop a listening life. The closer we draw to God, the closer He draws to us, until His voice becomes clear in our lives. And when we become comfortable in our hearing gift, we find it easier to lead others to Christ Jesus.

Discipleship is not only about listening to God. It is also about listening to people. To hear someone’s heart and understand their journey gives spiritual insight into their life. The Holy Spirit will highlight what matters most, and those insights become the foundation to walk alongside them in faith.

• 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: Make time to listen without interruption. 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 is wisdom worth practicing. Often, what someone says is not the same as what their heart is communicating.

• 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: Respond as the Holy Spirit guides, showing that you value the person and their story. Engagement demonstrates love and respect.

• 𝗕𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰: Life moves quickly, and everyone’s pain feels heavy to them. Even if their story doesn’t seem as difficult as your own, treat it with compassion—it matters deeply to them.

• 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲: Guard against judging the person you’re listening to, or those they speak about. Avoid joining in criticism, because judgment closes the door to healing.

Listening is the foundation of discipleship. Whether you are a Knower, Feeler, Hearer, or Seer, your gift is meant to overflow into the lives of others. Practice makes perfect, and all you need is a listening lifestyle.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the opportunity to share this devotional. Please bless the Knowers, Feelers, Hearers, and Seers, and teach them to use their gifts to be disciples who lead others to Christ by listening to You. Amen. ©

Pastor Iriza