Jesus always seemed to know about the people he encountered. He got into the heart of the “rich, young ruler.” He knew the faith of those who came to him asking for healing. I’m thinking about the Samaritan woman he encountered at the well. He knew exactly the hole in her heart.
The question is, do we have that capability? Do you know someone who always seems sensitive to the needs of others? Do you harbor just a little envy about their ability? Are some people just born that way?
I don’t know if listening qualifies as one of Richard Foster’s spiritual disciplines, but it is an essential ingredient. My last post contained some thoughts on focus and attention. Today, I’m thinking about leaving your life–your worries, needs, wish for recognition, need to talk–and becoming part of someone else’s life.
By emptying yourself, you can enter someone’s life. Listen to their needs and desires. Find the wound that needs healing and the joy that needs to be celebrated. Jesus did both. He healed and he celebrated. He confronted people portraying themselves as something they weren’t. But he did it by understanding each person and their specific needs.
We can do that too. We can heal people. Maybe not spectacular physical healings (but, who knows?). But surely we can heal emotional wounds. We can build up people. We can introduce them to a spiritual reality that will help them fulfill their lives.
We do that by first really listening to them. And understanding. It’s a discipline–that is, a habit you develop on purpose because that’s the kind of person you want to be.
Faith Venture 
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