PODCAST

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

April 10th, 2023

James 1:16-21

The people of God would be wise to follow the advice of James. Especially when James writes, “be quick to listen, slow to speak” (1:19). Perhaps this is something you can write on a sticky note and place on your laptop, keep it on a whiteboard, a bulletin board nearby, or as a reminder in your phone.

Quick to listen, slow to speak. How might this phrase transform our relationships? Perhaps instead of a reactive, defensive response to those we might disagree with, our listening could lead us to a deeper understanding of one another.

Quick to listen, slow to speak. James urges the people of God to be those who offer the world something new, and who truly embody the characteristics of Jesus Christ. While many among us are quick to have an explosive reaction to social media posts and those we disagree with politically, may those who follow Jesus be a beacon of hope in the world that points our neighbors to a God who is quick to listen, and slow to speak.

Author: Bethany Acres