MONDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2024
TEXT:
James 1:19-20
19:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to
listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
20:
because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
(New International Version Holy
Bible)
TOPIC:
LISTEN TWICE, SPEAK ONCE
One
of the most difficult, yet important, skills in counselling is listening. But,
somehow, listening appears to be weakness to many people. In a competitive
world such as ours, being assertive is seen as strength. James speaks about
being quick to listen and slow to speak.
The
Amplified Bible renders being slow to speak as being slow to take offense.
Based on this understanding speaking comes in the form of an attack. But how
can speaking be likened to an offense or attack?
When
you think of the content of words that come out of some people, you know that
sometimes it is better to be physically beaten than hear them. So, while words
edify, some destroy. To guard against such destructive words, it is important
that more time is taken to listen. When you listen, you understand others
better.
Anger,
which is a natural reaction to unwholesome words, does not bring about anything
profitable. James says that anger does not bring about the righteous life that
God desires.
QUESTION:
Why is it difficult for you to listen?
PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, give me the patience to listen before speaking, in Jesus name.
Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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