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When We Don’t Listen, Life Gets Louder: Hearing God, Self, and Others

 

“Person cupping ear, listening attentively to quiet promptings.”


When We Don’t Listen, Life Gets Louder: Hearing God, Self, and Others (1 John 4:6)

"We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." – 1 John 4:6 (KSB)

   Life speaks in whispers small promptings, subtle signs, and gentle nudges that often flutter by unnoticed. These whispers may be God's guidance, our inner wisdom, or sincere counsel from others. When we ignore them, life tends to raise its volume: discomfort becomes pain, confusion becomes chaos, and scarcity becomes urgent. This is the spiritual dynamic behind the voice of truth and the voice of falsehood.

   First, listening to God requires stillness and sensitivity. God often speaks in the quiet through scripture, prayer, the counsel of the Spirit, and the circumstances around us. Ignoring these divine hints allows problems to intensify until the noise forces our attention. But when we cultivate a posture of attentive listening, we respond earlier, with clarity and grace, preventing unnecessary escalation.

   Second, listening to ourselves is an act of compassionate awareness. Our thoughts, emotions, and bodily signals contain important information about our needs, wounds, and next steps. Mindful self-listening helps us notice tension, fear, or hope before they dictate our behavior. By honoring inner whispers, we can choose wise and loving responses rather than reactive ones.

   Third, listening to one another builds connection and truth. Communities, families, and friendships flourish when people engage in sincere, attentive listening. True listening is not merely waiting to reply; it is receiving another person fully mind, heart, and spirit. This kind of listening recognizes the Spirit of truth in the other and counters the spirit of falsehood that thrives on misunderstanding and isolation.

   Together, these three forms of listening spiritual, internal, and relational bring our lives into greater alignment. The three T’s—Thoughts, Words, and Actions find harmony when rooted in truth. Listening prevents life’s noise from drowning out discernment and invites peace, wisdom, and abundance.

   So let us practice the life-giving habit of listening. Slow down, tune your spirit, and respond to what is being gently offered. When we listen well, life stays clear and manageable; when we do not, life will inevitably get louder until we do.

   We Gotta Listen! (1 John 4:6)

   1. Listen to God
   2. Listen to Yourself
   3. Listen to One Another

📖 Reflection: Where in your life are you ignoring quiet promptings, and what might change if you listened earlier?

💡 Action Step: Spend five minutes today in silence—ask God one question, notice one felt sensation, and quietly invite someone into a brief listening check-in.

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