“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” James 1:19 (ESV)
If ever there was a verse that flew directly against our very human, sinful, nature — this just might be it. Especially today with technology so attached to our fingertips. How easy it is to not “hear” exactly what someone is trying to say to us, if we are even taking the time to truly listen in the first place. How sadly commonplace it is to be someone with a “short fuse” or to speak without even thinking about it. The unfortunate thing is, once spoken, words cannot be taken back. Sure, we may be able to apologize and even may be forgiven, but the words have still been spoken. How much better off would we be if we devoted ourselves to slowing down, even just minutely, to take the time to truly listen to those around us, only speak once we have judged that our words are the correct ones (and are edifying and not hurtful), and take a deep breath before “exploding”? I know, it is all “easier said than done”; but if we continue on in those behaviors with this as an excuse and an escape, we are not living the way our Lord and Savior intends for us to live.
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
Alive Ministries USA