In our hurried world, we often respond automatically to common questions. When asked, “How are you?” we might instinctively reply, “Fine,” without truly engaging. Yet, God calls us to a deeper level of awareness, urging us to connect both our minds and hearts in our interactions and relationship with Him. This concept of deep listening to God’s love is essential for a transformative Christian life.
Listening with One’s Mind
Listening with the mind involves actively engaging with God’s Word and allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions. This intellectual engagement is crucial as it forms the foundation of our faith and understanding. Romans 10:17 (AMP) reminds us, “So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.” Through consistent study and meditation on Scripture, we memorize and internalize God’s teachings, enabling us to respond thoughtfully rather than automatically.
Listening with One’s Heart and Mind
However, God desires more than just intellectual understanding; He calls us to listen with both our hearts and minds. This means allowing the truths we have memorized to resonate deeply within us, transforming our responses and interactions. Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) emphasizes this comprehensive approach: “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Trusting God with all our heart involves an emotional and spiritual connection that goes beyond mere knowledge.
Breaking the Automatic Response
In our daily interactions, breaking free from automatic responses requires conscious effort. When someone asks, “How are you?” we can take a moment to truly reflect on our feelings and thoughts, responding with honesty and depth. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, God encourages us to move beyond surface-level responses and engage with Him deeply. Matthew 15:8 (AMP) reflects this call: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.” God desires genuine connection, where our words and actions are aligned with the condition of our hearts.
Example: Telling Someone “God Loves You”
Imagine telling someone, “God loves you.” If they are listening with their mind, they might recall the familiar scriptures and affirm the truth. But if they are listening with their heart and mind, they might be profoundly moved. They would reflect on the enormity of God’s love: the God of the Universe, who created everything, knew us before time, knew all our sins, and knew we could never have a relationship with Him because of our sin. Yet, He sent His only Son to die for us on the cross so that we might be able to have a relationship with Him.
Brokenness and Crying
When we fully grasp this truth, it can break us. Psalm 34:18 (AMP) says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Recognizing that the Creator of the universe loves us so deeply that He sacrificed His Son for us can bring us to tears. It’s a moment of brokenness that opens our hearts to His love and grace.
Example: Worshiping the Lord
When we worship the Lord, we sing songs to Him. Some may lift up their hands, or even dance! But if we combine that with deep listening, the experience completely changes. Recently, I was at a local church (Living Word) and heard the song “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship for the first time. When I hear a worship song for the first time, I immediately go into a Biblical analysis to ensure it is solid. Once I knew it was, I jumped right in. Sometimes, the Spirit overrides my evaluation, and I jump right in, but not always. After evaluating the song, I accepted it in my mind and opened my heart to it. I couldn’t even get through the first verse without crying and being broken about what God has done for us, for me. This combination of mind and heart listening brought a profound connection with God’s love.
Grounded in the Word
Remaining grounded in the Word is essential, especially during emotional highs and lows. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) underscores the importance of Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Being rooted in Scripture ensures that our responses and actions are guided by truth, providing stability and clarity.
Connecting Mind and Heart
To truly listen and connect the knowledge of our minds with the emotions of our hearts, we must let God’s love break us and fill us with Him. Understanding that “God loves us” is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative experience. It means letting the truth penetrate our innermost being, changing how we view ourselves, others, and our relationship with God.
Deep Listening to God’s Love
When we hear “God loves you,” it should do more than generate a rote response. It should be a deeply felt truth that engages both our minds and hearts, leading us to a profound encounter with God’s love. This connected listening transforms our faith and allows us to live out the teachings of Christ with genuine passion and conviction.
In conclusion, let us strive for deep listening to God’s love. Let us break free from automatic responses and engage with God’s Word intellectually and emotionally. In doing so, we will experience a deeper, more transformative relationship with God, grounded in the truth of His eternal love for us. This approach to listening will not only enrich our own lives but also enable us to share the profound love of God with others in a meaningful and impactful way.