James 1:19-21–Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

When I think back on the arguments I’ve had with people, much of it is traced back either to my inability to listen to them, or their inability to listen to me.  Which generally makes us all angry and eventually shut down…

If “being quick to hear” is the issue, as we deal with each other in relationships, how can there be the possibility of reconciling or making peace?  When we really desire to have true peace, with another person who has a point to make, our obligation is to listen.  That we know the heart of the person, and not just a desire to prove them “wrong”…

When God inspired this text to James, His intent was for us to understand that if we are not able to be quick to hear His Word, we will argue against the truth and therefore endanger our souls to hell!  The ability to listen, starts with how we respond to God’s Truth, to then, dealing with others from the place of not arguing, but seeking understanding and peace.

No relationship can flourish with a person who is unable to listen.  That person proves that their interest is not in anyone else’s, will but their own.  What we would call selfish, when people don’t listen to us.  Challenge yourself whether you are quick to hear the Word of God?  Second, when we allow God to share His heart through His Word, we are more apt to allow others to share theirs.  Because we prove our agenda is not to be right, but to be on one accord with God and others.

In His Love, Ld