Scripture:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
– James 1:19 (NIV)
“Christians at their best are good listeners, and the Christian church, when most faithful,
is a listening community.” – Bishop Rueben Job, Bishop of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church
This verse and this quote provide food for thought. As a church, how are we doing at listening to one another and the communities we serve? Do we rush to share our own ideas or expertise? Do we move to anger quickly? Does judgment cloud our understanding? Let us be careful not to miss the Lord’s leading.
Prayer: Ask God to forgive us where we have spoken without listening and rushed to anger. Ask the Holy Spirit to help us be better listeners. Ask for wisdom to listen first to God and to others.