21 Days to Sweeter FriendshipsSample

Sorry to Interrupt

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20, ESV

It was a Wednesday morning, and we were making our first turn on the three-mile walk. My friend, Terri, shared a story with me as we strolled. I mostly nodded, trying to be interested in the conversation, but I would also interject a comment here and there, trying to be an “active” listener.

After a few minutes, my walking buddy stopped. She looked at me and asked me to stop interrupting her. Honestly, I didn’t even realize that I was. I was not a patient and a good listener in my excitement to see her and catch up on life. I was not slow to speak. (I’m working on this!)

Maybe you can relate?

It’s hard, at times, to be a good listener. To be a person who is quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry is to be like our Savior, but these are not always easy traits for us to emulate, especially if we are more extroverted.

Are you an interrupter? Ask God to show you and help you as you work on this issue.

Are you a great listener? We love you and are so grateful for you!

Are you somewhere in between? God can work with you to get better as well!

Prayer – Lord, thank You for creating me as You have. Would you grow me, mature me, and make me a better friend and listener? I want to be more and more like Jesus.

Reflect – Think about the conversation styles mentioned in today’s devotion. Be candid with yourself as you consider: Are you quick or slow to hear? Are you quick or slow to speak? Are you quick or slow to anger?