“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
Have you ever been conversing with someone and as they’re explaining their problem or concern, you cut them off to offer your piece before hearing their story, in its entirety, only to find out you were completely wrong because you didn’t allow them to finish what they were saying? I have had that happen plenty of times - especially when I first started leading workshops and teaching in church. I was so much in a hurry to show how much I knew, that I didn’t bother to listen so I could address the actual problem, question, or concern.
Be quick to listen and slow to speak. When you listen with your heart, your heart will answer. Moreover, since you have hidden God’s word in your heart, your words will be full of His love, kindness, and mercy. Your listening heart will enable you to think about what you say before you say it and lessen the opportunity of Satan intervening to inject anger, negativity, or strife in your words. Remember. You always have the opportunity, and ability, to introduce Christ’s love through your words in every disagreement, argument, team meeting, speech, or conversation. If you’re not sure what to say, that’s fine too. Sometimes the best thing to do is just listen.
He didn’t say a mumbling word
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“Heavenly Father, I will be quick to listen with my heart and offer words infused by Your Holy Spirit. In doing so, I will also be slow to speak and slow to become angry. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”