Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… James 1:19b (NIV)
During conversations with others, we often spend our time listening for a reason to speak. We hear enough of what the other person is saying so we can respond to them or share something about ourselves. Instead of listening for a chance to speak, we should listen to understand their perspective. The Bible reminds us to be quick to listen. We need to spend more time listening than we do speaking. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Prayer:
God, thank you for reminding me that I need to spend more time listening. I choose to practice listening to others today. I want to get to know other people’s side of the story instead of always sharing mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.