Downloads from the Lord: Something just as important as our Words
We just spent four sessions discussing our words. Without a doubt choosing our words and using them in a proper manner is very, very important. However, there is another factor in effective communication that is just as important as the way we use words. We must ask ourselves if we are also proficient at listening as others are using their words to communicate with us. Yes… listening attentively is sometimes more difficult for us to master than controlling our tongue! The Bible says it like this:
James 1:19-25 (NIV)
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.
Did you notice that James 1:19-25 tells us that speaking too quickly and not listening effectively could easily lead to anger. Being angry is not a sin, however verse 19 tells us not to rush into it. We are encouraged to be slow to become angry. If talking too much and not being a good listener could abruptly cause anger, and the goal is to have anger under control, we need to speak less and listen better! I sure hope you followed that. LOL 😀
I’m reminded of a funny little saying
that we used in our marriage class to
emphasize speaking less and listening
more proficiently.
Let’s see if I can find it… Yea, here it is!
Sometimes it pays to keep stuff, you
never know when you might need it.
I interjected a little humor here, but anger is no laughing matter. Many relationships have been ruined because of anger. The Bible has much to say about it:
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)
11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Colossians 3:8 (ESV)
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
I have heard it said that if we insist on talking, we are just saying things we already know; however, if we practice listening, we just might learn something new! Let’s all strive to become better listeners and keep anger to a minimum.
Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 18:13 (ESV)
13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:2 (ESV)
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
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Thanks and God Bless!