𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫

November 12, 2023

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