'Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak'- Living Faith

February 19, 2014

'Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak'

Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-20

My flare-ups, I have to admit, are really about me: my wants, my frustrations, my judgments, my interpretations. I lose my temper with the children because I had a bad day; I snap at a coworker because I quarreled with my spouse this morning. My patience wears thin because I decide I shouldn't be inconvenienced. And how many times have I made things worse by jumping to conclusions or firing off objections without first listening? James doesn't say anger is bad or that we should never feel it. But he does urge us to remember the big picture: We are here to accomplish the righteousness of God.

Lord, help me to really listen, to think before speaking and to be slow to anger for the sake of your kingdom.

- Anne Pushkal

James 1:19-27|Psalm 15:2-5|Mark 8:22-26

Mass Readings of the Day

Comments

Louis Respond to comment

February 19, 2014 at 03:56 PM

Please, Lord make me a good listener. I try, but it is tough.

Isabel Cardenas Respond to comment

February 19, 2014 at 09:34 AM

This couldnt have come at a better time. you are talking to me God and little by little I'm going to be all ears.
thanks for this i need it so bad.just going to go in with an open mind and listen and just wait for you to speak to me just waiting for you to speak on by behalf.
just wait thats what you want me to do and thats what im going to do,
:)

Daniel Respond to comment

February 19, 2014 at 08:12 AM

I believe that the author one one level is speaking of perspective. Is our perspective of self, or Gods will for all? In my humbled opinion there is a deeper message the author and James are making here, that we must be open hearts and minds so we may understand the others perspective before we make a choice on how to proceed with wisdom.
The point is that we can not fight fire with fire, wrath accomplishes nothing be it mental or physical, the only effect is suffering both ways. Just my humbled opinion. Peace be with you all!
"Walk in Wisdom toward them that are without."-Colossians 4:4

J Page Respond to comment

February 19, 2014 at 06:43 AM

Almost always I sit back with regret. This is an awesome reminder in helping my way of thinking to getting me to a better way if thinking.

marie

February 19, 2014 at 10:30 AM

My ears and my eyes are not as quick as my tongue.Often I respond with impatience and disrespect. Forgive me Lor d and help me see you in all those I speak with.Thank you for sharing.

Comments

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