James 1:19-20

by Andrew Lewis

‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.’
James 1:19-20

Answers.

We always have the answer.

So many of us are so sure of our own experience and expertise that we truly believe that we have the answer as to how all humanity should live their lives because it works for us.

Social Media has given everyone a greater and louder voice but its creators never stopped to think about how we could enhance the way we listen.

James writes for us to ‘take note of this …’ and then goes on to say that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. Majority of the time we are quick to speak and then quick to construct our response but what is missing between these two elements is taking time to listen; we have become experts at automated responses.

God calls us to listen.

Not only to listen but to sometimes listen without a response, other than “I hear what you’re saying”.

The best lesson I learnt as a husband was that my Amy doesn’t always need an answer when it comes to frustrations at work or tiredness with the kids (notice there is never an issue with me :/ ). Amy has already worked out a solution, she just needed an ear to say “I hear what you’re saying”.

You see God gave us mouths that close and ears that remain open surely we know what God holds as the more important function.

DO SOMETHING …
Immediately, not tomorrow, practice actively listening. When in conversation with someone, actively listen with no answers, at best ask questions that causes you to listen more. If you must respond then respond with prayer, pray for that person either privately or pray for them right there; this will prove whether you have actually listened or not.

PRAY TODAY …

God, help me to release all delusions of self-importance and expertise. Bless me with the ability to bless others by the way I listen. No answers just a compassionate ear. Amen.

Andrew Lewis