There is an inestimable blessing in knowing that we have been heard. When we seek someone to lend an ear, we are asking for a part of them. Their giving it is a validation of our personal worth. More of people we encounter will listen to the words coming out of our mouth than hear the message that those words convey. That being the case, I’d rather be heard. In the Book of Psalms, it says:
I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
There are times over the course of life when we simply must pour out our hearts. Sorrow, mourning, joy, and celebration can become too great to contain and must be released. The possession of a friend who will listen without interrupting, offering advice, or condemnation is a treasure beyond price.
There is an inestimable blessing—a validation of our worth in knowing that we have been heard. We are never more eloquent than when we are listening to another. An attentive ear is perhaps the purest form of love. Words can wound or heal, but an ear connects two souls.
There have been times in my life when I needed counsel. But there have also been times when that advice came from my own voice brought to light simply by being heard. There is strength in that bit of quiet knowledge.
In those times when I know a divine ear is open to me that I truly experience the love of God. The same can be said for the ear of a friend who hears. I am confident that the loving act of listening will engender an answer surer and powerful than a voice that thunders.
I’d rather be heard than be correct. It is not as a speaker that I say this. A wise man loves to be corrected. But, before a person can truly be corrected (rather than be opposed), they must be heard. To attempt to correct someone without having heard them is to speak into the air.
I’d rather be heard than be liked. Better an enemy that understands your message than a friend who is deaf to it. That enemy has taken time to consider your opinion. His dislike and disagreement with you may grow, but the friend has given nothing to you.
I’d rather be heard than be free. Have you considered that to be tried in court is called a hearing? It is a presentation of your evidence—your words of defense. To be heard, to have your words considered and deliberated is testimony to the fact that you matter, though you be condemned.
I’d rather be heard than be served. What parent has not asked, “Do you think I’m speaking just to hear myself talk?” The question is not really about being obeyed, but about being heard and valued enough that our words have been considered.
But if the act of hearing is an act of love, I’d rather hear than be heard. What do you want to tell me?
Maranatha
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