Our scripture this morning is James 1:19-21.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
We’ve read this passage together before, but it popped up again today because God thinks we really need to hear it! When anger grabs me I believe I am right, but I say and do things I am ashamed of later. These verses in James tell me I need to slow down and listen.
I know it is often hard to listen to someone with whom you disagree, but if we don’t we will never progress in faith and love as God desires. Jesus told us to love one another but if we don’t even listen to their concerns, we can’t begin to feel affection for them. Listening to God is the way to know His plan for us and listening to each other is the way to know what they fear.
I invite you to join me in something. I plan to intentionally read and listen to people on the “other side” of issues I care about. While this may be hard, remember Jesus listened and spoke often with the people He knew were plotting His death. If we want to be like Him we must make the same effort.
Heavenly Father, help us to see that we all have differing needs and opinions on how to solve our problems. Bless us to be patient listeners, gentle speakers and to always share Your love with everyone. Amen.
