My dear brothers take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 [NIV]
Perhaps you have heard the saying that God gave us two ears but only one mouth and therefore we should spend twice as much time listening as speaking. Although the reasoning may be challenged, I believe the advice is sound. Are you a good listener? Do you take time to listen and consider before you “jump in with both feet” with a sharp reply?
Every so often we need to be still and listen to what God is saying to us. Prayer should be as much (or more) about listening than about speaking to God.
If your role in the body is an ear, perhaps you are gifted with discernment and able to hear either what God is saying to you, or a word for someone else in the church.
Maybe you are able to listen to people and allow them to pour out their concerns to you. Sometimes it is not necessary to say much in response – very often the act of talking to someone who is a sympathetic listener allows people the space to see for themselves the solution to their difficulties.
Lord, help us to hear your voice, and to listen to others. Amen.
Dave MacLellan
(originally published in 2005)
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