PODCAST
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
June 7th, 2017
James 1:19-27
Over half of my ministry has been invested in listening to others—in emergency rooms, intensive care units, nursing stations, homes and community centers. I’ve learned the value of simply being present. When Jesus returned to Bethany to friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus, they seemed to understand the importance of presence, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21).
When attending a family in crisis, I became keenly aware that of utmost importance was my presence. Only Jesus can change outcomes as he did at Bethany; I may not effect change, but I can be faithfully present. Others seem to understand this power of presence. At the end of his summer internship Jeremy gave me a stethoscope saying “Because you listen to people’s hearts.”
Are you quick to listen and slow to speak?
Author: Phil Pinckard
