In Conversation

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil of that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:19-21

When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas are much more important than theirs. James wisely advises us to reverse this process. We need to pay attention regarding our conversations and keep track of how much we are talking and how much we are actually listening. When people talk with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value? Or are you most concerned about getting other people to see your point of view and to have them think the way that you do? These verses also speak of anger that erupt when our ego is bruised - "I am hurt;" or "My opinions are not being heard." When injustice and sin occur, we should become angry because others are being hurt. But we should not become angry when we fail to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected, as difficult as that may be. The truth is, selfish anger never helps anybody. James also advises us to get rid of all that is wrong in our lives and to "humbly except" the salvation message we have received ("the word planted in you"), because it alone can save us.

God Bless you,

J.H.