Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceAttentiveness, in a biblical context, refers to the act of paying close attention, being watchful, and showing careful consideration to God's word, His commands, and the needs of others. It is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture, as it reflects a heart that is open to divine instruction and guidance. Attentiveness is crucial for spiritual growth, understanding, and obedience to God's will.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of attentiveness, both to God's word and to the needs of others. In
Proverbs 4:20-21 , we read, "My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart." This passage underscores the necessity of being attentive to wisdom and instruction, which leads to life and health.
In the New Testament, Jesus often called for attentiveness to His teachings. In
Luke 8:18 , He warns, "Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." Here, attentiveness is linked to spiritual understanding and the reception of further revelation.
Attentiveness to GodAttentiveness to God involves listening to His voice, being sensitive to His leading, and responding to His commands.
Psalm 46:10 encourages believers to "Be still and know that I am God," highlighting the need for quiet attentiveness to recognize God's presence and sovereignty. Similarly, in
1 Samuel 3:10 , young Samuel exemplifies attentiveness when he responds to God's call with, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."
Attentiveness to OthersThe Bible also calls for attentiveness to the needs and concerns of others.
Philippians 2:4 instructs, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This attentiveness is an expression of love and humility, reflecting Christ's own example of selflessness and care.
Practical ApplicationPracticing attentiveness involves cultivating a disciplined mind and heart. It requires setting aside distractions and focusing on what truly matters. In a world filled with noise and busyness, believers are called to prioritize time in God's word and prayer, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Additionally, attentiveness to others involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to serve.
Spiritual BenefitsAttentiveness leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His will. It fosters spiritual discernment, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace. Moreover, by being attentive to others, Christians can build stronger, more compassionate communities that reflect the love of Christ.
ConclusionWhile attentiveness is a personal discipline, its impact extends beyond the individual, influencing relationships and communities. As believers strive to be attentive to God and others, they fulfill the biblical mandate to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves.
Strong's Hebrew
7182. qesheb --attentiveness... 7181, 7182. qesheb. 7183 .
attentiveness. Transliteration: qesheb Phonetic
Spelling: (keh'-sheb) Short Definition: close. Word Origin
...Library
A Little Sermon to School-Girls.
... we do not want. There is a kind of officiousattentiveness which is really
the expression of a species of vanity. It is true we...
Daily Bread
... observation. There must be the watchfulattentiveness, like that of the sculptor
studying his subject, the hunter tracking his prey....
How He Mourned his Dead Mother.
... little by little did I bring back my former thoughts of Thine handmaid, her devout
conversation towards Thee, her holy tenderness andattentiveness towards us...
The Second Awakening.
... As early as 1792 the long inertia of the eastern churches began to be broken here
and there by signs of growing earnestness andattentiveness to spiritual...
The First Disciples.
... Under his fig-tree Nathanael had often been in sympathy with his forefather Jacob
in his great experience of God'sattentiveness to prayer....
Rom. xv. 25-27
... And have done with those wanton [1666] and delicate airs, and that mincing walk,
and turn all thisattentiveness unto the soul, and kindle up in thy mind a...
Introduction
... and idleness of which Ruysbroeck speaks as an essential preparation of the
contemplative state, is a condition of meek and passiveattentiveness to God, which...
Philippians ii. 11-May
... to us! What wouldest thou have? Forbearance? freedom from anger? love to
our fellow-men? soberness?attentiveness? All these good...
Book Nine the End of the Autobiography. ...
... then, little by little, there came back to me my former memories of thy handmaid:
her devout life toward thee, her holy tenderness andattentiveness toward us...
Thesaurus
Attentiveness (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Attentiveness (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 21:7 When
he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a
...Attentively (35 Occurrences)
Pairs (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (WEB JPS ASV...
Attest (1 Occurrence)
Troop (28 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (WEB JPS ASV)....
Camels (52 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (WEB KJV JPS...
Camel (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (Root in WEB...
Donkeys (71 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (WEB NAS NIV)....
Diligently (85 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (WEB KJV JPS...
Horsemen (63 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:7 When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop
of camels, he shall listen diligently with greatattentiveness." (WEB KJV JPS...
Resources
How should a Christian view ADD and ADHD? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for a Christian to view or listen to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) triggers? | GotQuestions.orgAttentiveness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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