Love to Listen
Building upon what I shared yesterday, God has continued to guide me into the truth involving the failings of my tongue. This morning I looked into this beautiful verse in James:
“…But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (1:19)
Some versions say “quick to listen”. This is really an ingenious counsel. If I would listen more and talk less, I believe God would be most glorified and I would be less embarrassed. I think the easiest way to tame the tongue is to shut my mouth.
But aside from my tongue control, I think God has another reason for wanting us to be listeners. He wants us to hear other people. We can loose sight of the other person when we are doing all the talking. Probably everyone has experienced those conversations when you know the other person really isn’t listening to you. It’s disheartening. (and how many times have I done that to someone!) My mom has been a valuable example and encourager in this area. Many times she has reminded me to listen. People have stories to tell, wisdom to share, and hurts to reveal. If only I would stop and listen.
I think God also wants us to hear Him. My prayers are sometimes endless ramblings ended with a quick “amen” and then I’m on my way. I have missed out on the blessings and comfort found in listening to God; pausing to listen to what He has to say through Scripture, or even to realize that He has answered me.
There are abundant benefits received in listening. I desire to get better at it, to truly listen with my heart to others and to God. Because when I do listen, I hear, learn, and feel things that I would have otherwise ignored.
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Filed under: Devotional Life, Reflections, Scripture, Words on July 8th, 2008
I'm Kaysie, 22. Jesus follower. Lover of sunshine, trees, hot tea, books, music, family, the gospel, poetry and Barnes and Nobles. Has a weird obsession with paper. Over-analyzes almost everything. Adores simplicity. Lucky for you. 
“…But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (1:19)”
This should probably be emblazoned on the dashboard of my car.
Great idea!
Okay, that’s totally me as well. I talk way to much and I need to listen more.
Great thoughts, Kaysie!!! I too spend WAY too much time with endless ramblings during my prayers, instead of just listening to Him!
One of the keys to listening is by being still! And that can be very hard to do, especially in the fast paced society we live in today. Yet oftentimes, the only way we can hear others (and Christ) is by shutting our mouths and paying attention to the small whisperings we hear. Some of the best things in life are in the softness, the whispers, the shy voices…..
That is so true, Ella.
Amen, Kaysie! I have the same struggle. I hate awkward silences, so in fear of one I just talk and talk and talk, never letting the other person have a chance to offer their own opinions, hopes and dreams. Indeed… I do need to just “shut my mouth”!
Love ya
Phylicia
You’re definitely not the only one Kaysie. I tend to be a social people-person who loves to talk…and talk…and talk (very fast too!). Many times I’ve wished I’d held my tongue and simply listened to what God or others are saying. It can be so hard to do sometimes, but with the Lord’s help I know I can do it. Thanks for the great insight – it really hit home with me!
[...] wanted to discuss something you and I both have been learning about: taming the tongue. I have posted a few thoughts about this subject already, but I was wanting your insights on it as well. What do you say or [...]