00:00day six be quick to listen we've all been there heart pounding ready to fire back with a
00:12closing argument that shuts the other person down whether in person over text or in an email draft
00:19we're tempted to send our human instincts often push us to react instead of reflect sometimes
00:25we're not even truly listening we're simply waiting for our turn to respond james offers a better way
00:32listen first speak second and let anger come last if at all i imagine james sounding like a wise
00:40southern grandmother saying baby god gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason listening doesn't
00:47mean we agree with everything being said but it gives space for understanding empathy and the holy
00:53spirit to guide our response human anger may feel powerful in the moment it can silence an opponent
01:00or win an argument but james reminds us it never produces the righteousness god desires in us
01:06righteousness grows in a heart that is teachable patient and willing to slow down enough to hear
01:13before speaking when we pause to listen we open the door for god to soften our hearts guide our words
01:20and diffuse situations that might otherwise escalate and in doing so we reflect his character far more
01:28than any sharp comeback ever could reflection when was the last time you listened fully without
01:34preparing your response how might this change the way you handle conflict application in your next
01:41conversation especially if it's tense practice pausing before you speak pray for the holy spirit to guide
01:49your tone and words prayer heavenly father help me to be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to
01:57anger guard my heart from reacting in the flesh and teach me to respond in ways that honor you
02:03may my words build up rather than tear down in jesus name amen
