Listen With the Ear of Your Heart
Hospitality is the key to outreach with the Christian message. There are so many reports of those, especially young adults, who will not connect with the Church because of negative perceptions and experiences. This kind of damage is hard to undo but it can be reframed when we listen. Listen to the story. Listen to the pain. Listen to the hurt. Acknowledge the pain that is heard and do not cast judgement. As we listen we let the story unfold. Hospitality is to give without asking anything in return. We give and we love with the love of Christ. May each of us strive for graciousness and hospitality.
Listening is one of the most profound gifts a human gives another. It says, “You are of value,” “I want to know you,” “I take you seriously.” It creates connection and builds community. Jesus listened to people - disciples, those met on the road, those in power, those utterly powerless. Jesus understood people, because he listened. Jesus tailored his ministry to each person … the most profound, transformative ministry imaginable. Hospitality, indeed.