James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
So, I love reading the Message bible. Today’s verse is one of my favorites. “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear” (James 1:19, MSG). I would love to post this on billboards all over the world.
Have you ever found yourself deep into an argument only to have someone ask, “Are you even listening to each other?” You stop talking and look at them with a snotty face, thinking to yourself, “Of course! I am right and he is wrong!” Then you close your mouth, open your ears and really listen. You find that both of you have been agreeing the entire time. You were just saying it in a different way! I have been there and done that one! Something tells me Washington DC experiences this A LOT!
Hearing others is easy, listening not so much. You see in order to listen, you must first shut your mouth. To REALLY listen, you have to give someone your full attention. I love my husband dearly, but multitasking is NOT his forte. I have learned over the years to not say or ask anything important unless he is looking at me. Likewise, when he wants to talk I put everything down. I am not saying we are always perfect about this, but it has warded off many fights. We could all learn to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry more often.
Lord, help me shut my mouth and open my ears more. ~amen
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