Quote Contemplations 

 

“The first duty of love is to listen.”- Paul Tillich*

 

                  Listening should be the byproduct of hearing; however, hearing doesn’t always translate to listening. You can hear something all day long and not even realize there is noise being produced. It could be words spoken, lyrics from a song, music, construction sounds. Just because you hear it doesn’t mean you are listening. I will go so far as to say that when there is noise and you don’t want to hear it, you can always put on white noise from a white noise app on your phone or laptop. If you care about someone or something you will be courteous enough to actually listen.

            In friendship or marriage listening to one another is paramount to the relationship. It shows that you care about them enough to have interest in what they are saying to you. Communication needs to be important in any relationship. Two-way communication. It shouldn’t ever be a solo event, at least not as a rule. Listening is support. Listening is appreciated. Showing you care in a tangible way is vital to any relationship. 

            Intimacy in a marital relationship is very important, but listening can mean more if it’s real and not phony. Acting like you care when you actually don’t will be found out sooner or later. You can’t fake loving someone, but physically showing you care enough to make the other person more important than yourself is showing them love... true love that should be lasting. You must make it sustainable, not hit or miss. So listen more than you speak and show those you love that you truly care. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Paul Johannes Tillich (1886 – 1965) was a German & American Christian existentialist philosopher, religious socialist, and Lutheran theologian who was one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century.