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James 1:19 - BEST WAY TO LISTEN.

James 1:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and 
sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick 
to listen, slow to speak and slow to become 
angry,  

INTRODUCTION

Active listening makes a worthwhile 
conversation. Spiritual listening allows us to learn from 
others. When we talk too much and listen too little, 
we communicate to others that we think our 
ideas are much more important than theirs. James 
wisely advises us to reverse this process. Put a 
mental stopwatch on your conversations and keep 
track of how much you talk and how much you 
listen. When people talk with you, do they feel that 
their viewpoints and ideas have value? [Life 
Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I tossed and turned at night, mentally 
writing an email to a family member with whom I'd 
had a conflict. My words would explain my 
position, ease the tension, and all would be well. At 
least that was what I told myself. 
   The next morning, I opened my laptop to 
compose the email, and I felt Jesus whisper, "Wait." 
Argh! But I was ready to make her understand me. 
   "Why?" I asked.
   Gradually, Jesus helped me see my true 
motives. I wanted to be liked by everyone. I wanted 
to make myself look reasonable - be the bigger 
person. I wasn't truly focused on understanding my 
family member or resolving the conflict at all. I 
wanted her to understand me. 
   I needed more time in the Word, more time 
at Jesus's feet, before I was ready to write a 
humble note from a heart filled with compassion, my 
only motive being love. 
   James 1:19 is about being quick to 
listen, not only listening to a person I have a 
conflict with but also listening to Jesus. I needed 
to take time to hear His perspective, His 
insights, His love. 
   Later I wrote a very different email than 
I'd first mentally drafted. Less defensive and 
passive aggressive, more compassionate and 
understanding. I was blessed by a response of forgiveness. 
Pausing to listen to Jesus made all the difference 
in her understanding and mine. Sharon Hinck 
   Faith Step: Next time you feel upset at 
someone, stop to listen to their thoughts and 
feelings, but also listen to Jesus's perspective on 
the situation. Wait for His guidance before you 
respond. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

James 1:19 - Are You Listening?

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211111-0842.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210428-0847.html 

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191103-1032.html 

Proverbs 10:19 - Think Before You Speak

https://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040520-0937.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/