This morning I studied James 1: 19-20 where we read these difficult sentences: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Becoming someone “slow to speak” but “quick to listen” must only be the work of the Holy Spirit. It goes against all my natural inclinations and most everything about my personality. I needed this wisdom today as I joined several meetings. I practiced inviting the Holy Spirit to make me slow to speak. How? Well, you close your mouth. You consider waiting till someone asks your opinion. You nod your head a lot. You don’t speak.
It was hard! This afternoon, I’ll practice again. Tonight with my family, again.
I love the part about being “slow to become angry.” But how? I’m replacing entitlement with thanksgiving. I’m replacing anger with a richer understanding of God’s sovereignty.
I have so much to learn! Maybe one day I’ll leave a situation and someone might think, “She really listened well.” One day!