Quick, Slow, Slow

Series: Hear Me

James 1:19 ESV

When we consider our best verbal response to any given situation our first criteria should always be to accomplish three things.

When speaking with another person we should listen well. Remember listening is not a one-sided activity.

We also need to consider our words. By just spewing out words to get attention we will eventually only be known as a comedian.

As we listen to others we need to to pay careful attention to our negative responses. Really take time to listen to your own thoughts.

James wrote in James 1:19, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Have you ever known someone who was very good at verbal conversation but not so good at playing by good conversation rules?

When that happens I often wonder if they weren’t told society has unwritten rules for good conversation. I say ‘unwritten’ because even though they may be written they are not often studied and applied. As I studied Communication in junior high school, high school, and college years ago in addition to studying how to speak we also learned how to listen well.

More than one teacher/professor emphasized the importance of listening.

James’ words are essential. Listening well isn’t just a suggestion. When we don’t listen and hear well we can become the laughing stock of the room. We only need to pay attention to the look on people’s faces to know we aren’t listening well.

By not listening well we can also impair a relationship and open the door to confusion and misunderstanding. Have you ever known someone who can clear room within minutes of entering a conversation because they dominate the conversation?

You get the drift.

Be slow to speak. Think before you open your mouth. If it’s a difficult subject you should also pray before you speak.

Lastly James reminds us to be slow to anger.

When we enter a room and we find the conversation is extremely controversial, unless you have a specific reason for joining the “battle” and you know you won’t be able to be silent, walk away.

Walking away is not a ‘chicken’ way out.

Sometimes walking away is a brave choice. When you suspect you or someone else will get hurt your best choice is to walk away.

Ultimately when we take time to listen well and we choose our words carefully, we can avoid angry thoughts and words.

Remember that Jesus chose his battles carefully. If he entered into a difficult conversation there was a good reason.

It was always with love in mind.

Deborah  acrazyjourney.com 

Practice: consider the Spiritual Practice of choosing our  words wisely.

Humor

Holiday

Act Happy Day

Even if you don’t feel happy, act happy. Eventually you will believe it!   

Heal

Happy Heals…find a way to smile 

While going through my photo files recently I found this old photo of the first apartment I lived in when I was single again. I had been married for several decades and I was pretty nervous about living by myself. It turned out that I did just fine. I was even happy. God took care of everything!

Pray 

Today, pray for someone who is single again and frightened. They might feel like they are living in the midst of a storm…I know many many years ago I did. God knows who so you do not need to stress about that. I am grateful that I found a  church that had a strong prayer ministry. Many people prayed for me. Eventually I became a prayer leader and I taught others how to listen and know when others need prayer.

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com