April 27, 2001 Devotion

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness
of God." James 1:19-20

I don't know about all of you, but in all honesty, I, myself am guilty
of having said things in my lifetime that I wish I could take back. But
after hurt words are uttered, it's too late ~ the damage is already
done! Since then, I have learned to count to ten and bite my tongue,
trying as I may, to choose my words of response carefully.
If we ever fancied that we could get along without God's Spirit, even
for a moment, we probably do not make this mistake in connection with
the way we listen and talk. Who has not said on any number of occasions,
"If I had only listened?" Or "Why can't I keep my big mouth shut?" If
James had said, "Let everyone be quick to speak and slow to listen," we
would have no problem at all.
Quick to listen! Listen to what? Events in the days of our loved ones,
helpful counsel, the whole truth, both sides of an argument, a plea for
help, a request for forgiveness ~ all of these, of course. But as we
listen carefully, we also hear utterances of disappointment, pleas for
love, and sighs of sorrow that we alone can answer. These are special
messages from our God, who cries in the pain of the world, "I am hungry.
. . thirsty. . . in prison. . . sick."
Slow to speak! About what? A friend's shortcomings, office gossip,
dissatisfaction with church, school, and community, disagreements
amongst family members ~ all of these! But here James is counseling us
to "count to ten" before talking back in a butting argument. Our Savior
had these words written of Him: "No deceit was found in His mouth. When
they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He
suffered, He made no threats" (1Peter 2:22-23). His example and power
are ours that we may follow in His steps, in the way of peace.
God bless you as you ask the Lord to help you listen more attentively
and speak in love with your response.

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