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.
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1: 19-21
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
Lord, don’t You have that backwards? Speak, then listen is what I usually do.
At least that is how I seem to function. Speaking first, getting my opinion out. Making sure my point of view is heard. Validating my ego. I have to defend myself, don’t I?
But You are telling me: Listen, then speak.
Relationship begins with listening. Listen first.
My number one step with You: Listen.
My initial response to the person speaking before me: Listen
My entire focus on You.
My full concentration on Your child before me.
Listen.
Lord, I needed this reminder. These verses don’t just politely suggest I listen, they shout out Your command.
Listen first.
Lord, open my ears and seal my mouth. Help me to listen first before speaking.
Ouch…needed that reminder today, well, actually yesterday (wink), but God is good…hugs to you, Jean 🙂
God gently nudges each of us closer to Him if we only listen. My prayer for both of us is listen first!
Oh, I needed this reminder. Thank you!
Thanks Colleen. I know I needed to be hit over the head with this bible verse lately. LIsten first has been my prayer this week….
But listening is so annoying and so time consuming. If I can yammer first and guesstimate what’s going on, I’ll be a freer person. RIGHT? [maybe my personality needs a bit of changes… or a LOT of them. ;-).]
You make me smile. Yes yes i want to yammer away too. Been praying to listen first but that is a tough thing for this mouthy babe to do! Thanks for leaving a great comment, Joanne
Such a great reminder for me to make sure my ears and heart are open to heart what the Lord, and others, are saying. Have a blessed week.
Thanks Barbie, I have been praying this all week – listen first. hard to do but I know that is where God is leading me.
My mom always told me that God wants us to listen twice as much as we speak and that’s why He gave us 2 ears and only 1 mouth 🙂 Thank you for the reminder 🙂
Your mom was very wise. That is so true. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog, Veronica!
I love how you note that these words are just “polite suggestions” from Him about how to act, but commands. Yes. It makes me think about how often I convince myself that whatever I’ve decided to do, whether not it is exactly following God’s word, is okay . . .I cut myself slack, cut corners, and miss out on all the goodness He has for me, in obedience and trusting Him with all my heart. Thank you, Jean. Praying you have a beautiful Sunday.
Doesn’t it just confound you when we read the Bible and realize so many statements aren’t simple suggestions but really commands from our King. I think so often in democracy we don’t fully grasp obedience to the Lord. Thanks for your kind blessings, Jennifer. have a tremendous week!