Marie’s daily verse: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10

DAILY DEVOTION, April 16, 2023

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

James gives some practical advice on how to relate to one another. When another is speaking, we must pay close attention to what they are saying. We are often sidetracked by thinking about what we will say, and we don’t really hear the other. James says we need to listen more than we speak. We sometimes get the process reversed! Others notice as we listen carefully to what others say and hold our tongues. They appreciate that we really want to hear and understand their point of view. When we speak too quickly, we say, “I care more about my opinion than yours.”  Others notice that also.

As we interact with one another, words, at times, can inspire anger. James says to slow down on the anger part. Listening more than we speak also reduces the chance of anger arising. Angry words only damage a relationship. Careful listening to what others say strengthens the relationship—good advice from the apostle James.

Father, please help me to be a good listener. Hold my tongue when I am too eager to speak. Above all, let not anger arise in my soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.