Scripture: James 1:19-20
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Observation: Listen, really listen, to what others say. Then digest it. And then respond.
Application: I must stop interrupting!
I must stop thinking about my response when others are talking. I must really listen, ponder what has been said and THEN respond.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please guide me in my communication with others and with you. We both know I interrupt way too much (and isn’t just once too much, anyhow?). I often let my emotion and frustration take over. Remind me of your word, your perfect instruction: be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Keep me from interrupting others and instead really listen. How much I am missing when I interrupt! And how much I am missing when I try to guide my conversations with you, too. Remind me to listen more than speak… to REALLY listen. Thank you, Lord.
Through March 31, 2010, Mom's Toolbox's primary goal is to encourage you in attentively reading the entire Bible in 90 days by offering almost-daily encouragement and my SOAP observations from the reading.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a really hard time with this one too. So many times conversation becomes a competition of ideas. Whoever can get their idea across the fastest and the loudest “wins”
And i fall for it just as hard as anybody. I have to write on my heart ” the first shall be last and the last shall be first” I’ve written it there many times, but my ego keep erasing it.
EVERYONE loves a person that listens!! But if we all are good listeners who does the talking???
God.