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What would happen in your relationships if you would listen more and talk less?
In the Bible, the apostle James reminds us of the importance of listening and being slow to anger in order to grow in righteousness. He warns us that our quick, instinctive anger does not produce God’s righteousness and may actually be rooted in pride.
James 1:19-20 says:
“You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for human anger does not produce God’s righteousness.
James 1:19-20, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
It goes against what feels natural for us, but it is a crucial practice in becoming more like Jesus. We are called to imitate His character of compassion, patience, and love.
Have you ever reflected on how anger has affected your life? James encourages us to be quick to hear and to be attentive listeners. Think about someone you know who embodies these qualities. What can they teach you about listening well?
James also urges us to be slow to speak and to respond with humility. This means carefully choosing our words instead of impulsively reacting in anger. How can we practice responding slowly, especially when we feel anger rising up within us?
Through prayer, we can ask the Holy Spirit for help in growing in patience and humility. We acknowledge that God is always patient with us, giving us time to repent for our mistakes. He is our ultimate example of how we should handle anger.
Dear God, Thank You for Your patience. You are patient with us so that all may have time to repent—and I’m so grateful. When I think about how patient You are with me, despite all the times I get it wrong, I realize just how wrong it is for me to rush to anger with others. Give me Your patience. Teach me to be slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. Empower me through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Now listen to a short segment of this Abide meditation, “Listen More, Talk Less,” based on James 1:19-20.
Let’s take a moment today to thank God for His patience with us and ask Him for His patience as we face difficult situations or people who may trigger our unrighteous reactions. Let’s remember that through His strength and guidance, we can become slow to speak and slow to anger.
Let God take you deeper on this passage by listening to the full-length version of this meditation. Download the Abide app and start a premium subscription to gain access to our entire library of content. Use this link for 25% off.
