Christ-like Communication: Attentive

Jesus listened to people’s concerns.  He could have immediately dismissed His disciples’ murmurings or Martha’s complaints about her sister Mary but He allowed them to express their concerns before addressing them.

Jesus cared about people’s feelings.  He could have told Mary and Martha to stop crying when their brother Lazarus died because He was going to raise him up but He took time to focus on their hearts and He also wept.

Jesus invited and listened to people’s opinions.  “But what do you think?” He would ask His disciples on numerous occasions.

Jesus let people express their needs, even asking them what they wanted Him to do for them.

His attentiveness is significant because Jesus already knew people’s concerns, feelings, thoughts, and needs before a word slipped through their mouths.  Yet, He actively listened to them paying attention not only to their words but also their feelings because people mattered to Him.

In addition to the content in this post, the Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders looks at implications for church leaders of Jesus’ example of being attentive to people.