January 2, 2013
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."
- James 1:19
On my desk at work I have the verse for the day displayed. The Holy Spirit placed this scripture upon my heart in a very profound way two years ago when I received a promotion on my job. In every situation, circumstance and meeting where I have allowed myself to be governed by this verse the outcome has been much improved.
It often takes a great deal of restraint to be a good listener, to truly care about what the other person is saying. To listen swiftly is to imply listening eagerly and attentively to what is being conveyed. It is to put more energy in to hearing than speaking. To be swift to hear is to quicken one's pace to show up first, to exhibit a willingness to gain understanding of the speaker's point of few, illustrating
to the one speaking that what they have to say matters.
It takes just as much self-control to be slow to speak. An individual who takes his/her time before expressing an opinion and additionally one who does not always feel they have to share an opinion is often paid attention to. "Think before you speak" is what our elders have taught us. It stands to reason that if we are careful in our listening, thoughtful and deliberate in our speech, then much of what we say will be marked by graciousness and not anger or wrath.
The more I pondered this I understood that James 1:9 is the Bibilical forumula for good communication.
Listen more that you speak and don't be so quick to take offense. Amen.
God bless!
Sis. Stephanie D. K. Tyus
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