BE QUICK TO HEAR

BE QUICK TO HEAR

Text: James 1:19-20
Memory text:
“A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.”
‭‭ Prov‬erbs ‭18‬:‭2 NKJV

God didn’t end His creative works with regrets but with satisfaction. We all inherited our negative emotions from our sinful nature, or we acquired it from our environment. The good news, however, is that we can transform whatever negative emotions in us through the power of grace, which comes through God’s word and by prayer.
Our text today shows us three things to do to turn off brewing anger. Let’s consider the first today.
We must be quick to hear, that is, to have a listening habit, like an old adage says, “God gave us two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak”.
Our culture is losing listening habits because of the various distractions of our time and the increasing demands of life that make man always be in a hurry. These eventually divide our attention and affect our listening. It will, therefore, require great discipline and determination to develop listening habits.
Listening is gold and belongs to the wise, but fools despise it. According to our memory text, fools are impatient to listen but only want to express their own opinions. Does this describe you, or has anyone ever confronted you with that? Or do you know people like that? Proverbs 18:13 speaks more of the folly of not listening. “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.” ‭The GNT says, “Listen before you answer. If you don’t, you are stupid and insulting.”
It’s really insulting and disrespectful not to listen to another person and to always want to air your own opinion. Being patient enough to listen to what others have to say shows how much you value, appreciate, love, and respect them, and everyone wants these. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give to someone. In fact, it is the number one love language in many relationships. Listening turns off anger because people rarely respond harshly when they perceive love and respect.
Listening helps you to understand what others are saying to avoid misunderstanding and angry reactions. We have a perfect example in Jesus. Study how He was so patient to listen to the conversation of the confused disciples on the way to Emmaus before commenting (Luke 24:13-27).
Friends, listening may just be the first step or all that you need to diffuse that anger. Be a listener this year.

Prayer points
1. Father, I receive grace to be quick to hear and be disciplined in listening this year, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, help me to address all distractions and pressures, dividing my attention, making me unable to listen, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I believe that I have two ears and one mouth to be able to listen twice as much as I speak.
2. I will show love and respect to people this year by listening and not interrupting them.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng