A Word from the Vine No. 539: When God Listens First

Hello, friends. This is A Word from the Vine, and I’m Pastor Loren Christensen from Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa.

Today’s word comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 13. Jesus says:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak…”

Now, let’s pause right there.

Isn’t it remarkable that the Holy Spirit—God Himself—doesn’t speak on His own? He listens first. He hears from the Father and the Son, and then He speaks.

In a world where everyone wants to be heard, where opinions fly faster than we can process them, the Spirit models something radically different: divine listening.

Before the Spirit speaks, He listens.

That’s not weakness. That’s unity. That’s love. That’s the very heartbeat of the Trinity.

You see, the Spirit isn’t acting independently. He’s not freelancing. He’s in perfect communion with the Father and the Son. And in that communion, He speaks—not to impress, but to guide us into truth.

And here’s the part that humbles me: if God listens before He speaks, shouldn’t we?

How often do we rush to speak—on social media, in our families, even in our prayers—without first listening? Listening to God. Listening to others. Listening to the Spirit.

Friends, the Spirit is still speaking today. But He speaks in the quiet. In the Word. In the stillness of a heart that’s ready to hear.

So here’s my encouragement for you this week: make space to listen. Before you speak, before you post, before you react—listen. Ask the Spirit to guide you into truth. And trust that what He speaks will always glorify Jesus and draw you closer to the Father.

Let’s pray together.

Holy Spirit,

You are the Spirit of truth.

Teach us to listen as You listen.

Quiet our hearts, still our minds, and open our ears.

Guide us into all truth—not our truth, but Yours.

And may everything we say and do glorify Jesus, In whose name we pray,Amen.

Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. Until next time, may you remain rooted in Christ, nourished by His Word, and growing in grace.