Give the Gift of Being Slow to Speak

How frustrating to have someone interrupt you, thinking he knows what you're about to say and then jumping to a conclusion!  We've all done that.  We've jumped to "conclusions" about what the person was actually saying.  We've heard the words that were spoken, but we didn't really listen to what was being said.  And what mis-understanding has resulted!

Several years ago I sat back and listened as a husband and wife argued, firing volley after volley of accusations at each other, both talking at the same time, and constantly interrupting each other.  Each word drove the wedge of misunderstanding deeper and deeper into their relationship.  I could hardly call for a ceasefire above the clamor of their verbal warfare.

I can't imagine that Jesus ever engaged in discourteous conversation.  People listened to Him, and He listened to them.  James, in his letter to the early church, wrote, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…" (James 1:19)  I'm sure he saw this demonstrated in Jesus many times over.

Respectful listening keeps anger under control and promotes righteousness.  Let's listen carefully and avoid jumping to conclusions.

"It's easy to listen to words that are said
and not hear the facts at all;
But listening for truth, and not just to words,
Will save you from many a fall." –Hess

You can win more friends with your ears than with your mouth.

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