It is true, I tend to think and believe that I listen well to others: feedback from others has affirmed this perception. And yet, equally true, I know that I do not always listen well. Sometimes this is simply a factor of not hearing well: as I age, I know that I do not capture every word, either because the restaurant’s hard surfaces echo every clatter or movement, or because I am physically two rooms removed from the one speaking to me.
At other times, my inability to hear well arises from all of the clatter and confusion echoing within the cavernous corridors and labyrinths of my heart and mind. In either instance, or when both occur simultaneously, I do not hear well—if at all. If at such moments, I have the wherewithal to admit: “I’m sorry, I’m not hearing you. Would you repeat what you said?” then the possibility exists that I might hear with my heart, mind and ears.
Recently I have had the privilege of rereading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s, Life Together. Nearly fifty years ago I was first introduced to him, and vividly do I recall that encounter. After reading but a page or two, I knew that the voice I read was that of a very wise, elder brother: his words were strong, crisp and both incisive and decisive. Decades later (after countless re-readings of Life Together, or portions thereof) I still experience the same: the vibrancy and accuracy of his words strike deep chords within me—particularly as I now know the truth of Eric Metaxas’ description: Bonhoeffer was a “pastor, martyr, prophet and spy.”
In Life Together he wrote of the ministry of listening, and it is that: a ministry. Given that Life Together reflects his directing the Finkenwalde seminary, which the Gestapo eventually nailed shut, Bonhoeffer wrote:
“Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking.
“Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking where they should be listening. But [they] who can no longer listen to [brother/sister] will soon be no longer listening to God either; [they] will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God too.”*
I am need not elucidate his words; I need simply to listen.
Faithfully,
Stan
*(Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, tr. John W. Doberstein (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1954), pp. 97-98.