Part of God’s grand design, of helping "the least of these" in Christ’s name, requires connecting to other people. This is something humans are getting less and less good at. The internet and social media are great for many things. We can video chat with people on the other side of the world; we can look up long-forgotten recipes; we can keep track of local news and global disasters. But when our connecting is reduced to a computer screen, we begin to forget how to communicate with other people, especially how to listen well.

Listening is an active process that requires interaction between two or more people. It requires focus and intention, asking clarifying questions, and paying attention to body language and tone of voice. These are all important when we connect with people, especially those who need hope and God’s love. As the book of James says, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). I must say, that’s not how most people communicate over the internet. But we as believers are called to communicate with those around us in this way: with kindness, humility, and consideration. When we do this, people will notice we are different, that we pay attention and listen kindly. Good communication can draw people to Jesus Christ, if we only look up and start actively listening to those around us.        

This is Luis Palau.