“How often do we get so lost in what we think, we refuse to listen to what the other side has to say?”
— Corey Matthews, Girl Meets World
I listen to a lot of podcasts—political ones (which often drive me nuts but help me stay informed), spiritual ones, and investigative ones. I genuinely enjoy hearing other perspectives. But every now and then, especially when it comes to politics or faith, I have to pause and ask myself an uncomfortable question:
Am I actually listening to what they’re saying—or am I just getting lost in what I think?
Now, don’t get me wrong. Thinking deeply and forming our own opinions matters. We need conviction. We need a voice. But we also need to extend grace and dignity to others—and that begins with listening.
I wrote a blog years ago using that opening quote, and recently I stumbled across it again. What struck me most was how much more relevant it feels today. In a culture overflowing with noise, opinions, and outrage, I can’t help but wonder:
What are we listening to?
Are we even listening at all?
I know what some of you are thinking: “Angie, they don’t listen to me.”
But is that the point? If they won’t listen, does that justify us refusing to listen too? When neither side is listening, it’s just noise—two loud gongs clashing, accomplishing nothing except more frustration.
We see this everywhere. Turn on the news. Scroll Facebook or X. I’m sure TikTok as well. (I don’t have TikTok, but I’m sure it’s prevalent there as well.) You’ll find everywhere we turn people are shouting for their cause, convinced volume equals persuasion, while no one truly hears the heart behind the words. Instead of curiosity, there’s defensiveness. Instead of conversation, there’s anger.
So often, when someone disagrees with us, we lash out. We don’t listen—we prepare our rebuttal. We assume that sharp words will somehow change minds, when all they usually do is harden hearts.
I’ve watched public speakers, like the late Charlie Kirk, who model something rare: the willingness to simply listen first. They don’t always agree, but they engage. They allow space for conversation instead of combat.
How many of us are willing to do that—especially with the people closest to us?
My husband has gently pointed out that sometimes, during a “discussion,” I’m already forming my response before he’s finished speaking. And if I’m honest, he’s right. (To be fair, he does it too.) But that’s the point—we all do. And maybe the world would be a little more peaceful if we slowed down enough to truly hear one another.
I’m a Christian. My beliefs are rooted in Scripture, and that won’t change. But that doesn’t mean I can’t respect someone enough to listen when we disagree.
The Bible is clear:
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
— James 1:19
God created us with unique minds, perspectives, and experiences. We’re not meant to agree on everything—and honestly, how boring would that be?
The challenge is this: to rise up as listeners first. To show respect even when it isn’t returned. To reflect the love of Christ even in difficult conversations. Sometimes, the most powerful statement we can make is simply, “I hear you.”
It starts with us. One small spark can ignite a flame. If we choose love, patience, and understanding—even in disagreement—it just might create a ripple effect that changes more than we realize.
As Proverbs reminds us:
“Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.”
— Proverbs 18:13 TPT“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”
— Proverbs 1:5 NKJV
There’s a scene in the movie Mom’s Night Out where the wife is struggling with some things and she just wants to talk to her husband about it. Now her husband, trying to comfort her and understand her, keeps telling her that he is listening and hears her. She stops and looks at her husband (you know the look I’m talking about) and asks him, “Are you doing both—hearing and listening?”
Because sometimes we hear words, but we don’t truly listen and truly listening is something we all need to do more of.
And when we listen—really listen—we might just learn something new.
angelaschmeling 