Hearing God Together
Something happens to us when we consult one another in Christian community. In sharing our thoughts with others, surprising insights often emerge—opening our eyes to what we have not seen and our ears to what we have not heard.
This can transform and liberate us beyond our own narrow expectations. Both the one experiencing a call and those helping that person may express God’s wisdom and grace in the process. “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer.3:15).
Although God calls each of us personally, as individuals we see only partially. Individual perception, reasoning, and understanding are always limited. Even a person who feels absolutely certain that a specific revelation comes from God may be mistaken as to how it is to be applied.
Because God often reveals part of the picture to one person and another part to another person, it is prudent to consult one another to discern God’s counsel, guidance, and direction, even if there is no apparent reason to do so.
While circumstances sometimes require us to act without consulting others, the danger of arrogance and error in proceeding on our own can be great.
—Suzanne G. Farnham, Listening Hearts
God may speak to each of us personally, but He often confirms and clarifies His voice through community. When we humbly share our questions, insights, and sense of calling with others, something beautiful happens—our narrow view begins to widen. We see what we missed, hear what we hadn’t noticed, and often find unexpected grace through someone else’s perspective. Christian community becomes not just a support system, but a vessel of divine wisdom.
We are never meant to walk the path of faith alone. As Suzanne Farnham writes, even the most confident sense of God’s leading benefits from wise counsel. Discerning together guards us against arrogance and error and reminds us that God’s Spirit moves through the whole body, not just one part. Today, if you’re seeking direction or carrying a call, don’t walk it in isolation. Invite others to listen with you—because in doing so, you may discover the Shepherd’s voice more clearly. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics