Bible Verse for February 25th.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.
James 1:19
NIV Bible

Many of us think that we are good listeners, but oftentimes, when someone is sharing
with us, we're quick to interrupt with our opinions and solutions. Developing the art of
listening is critical for children of God, if we want to empathize and care for others.
When someone comes to us wanting to share their problems, our job is simply to listen,
to let the person unburden their pain and emotions, empathize and understand. Strangely
enough, that's all that's needed sometimes. It's as if when verbalizing the situation, the
'blinders' come off and the solution becomes apparent.

Listening is a skill that we all need to develop. It is not constantly interrupting with well
meaning advice. Too often, we are prone to do this, imposing our own thoughts as to
what went wrong and what should be done, causing the person to withdraw and stop
talking. This verse admonishes us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When we
listen, it shows that we love and care about others, that they matter to us, that we feel
their pain and heartache and that they are important to us.

Thank you Lord for always listening to me. Help me to do the same, to allow people to
share their feelings and their pain, to really listen to what they have to say, to empathize
and to be slow to speak. I love you Jesus. Amen!

Be Blessed!
Lydia