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Let Us Listen

Mark Jones

Ready:

“You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19

Set:

Teamwork is essential to success. A basketball player cannot win without teammates to play with. A sprinter cannot cross the line first without the eye of a coach to teach and correct. No one wins a game, match, or race alone, and solid relationships within that team are primary. Coaches and athletes sometimes use the word “chemistry,” or that the team needs to “gel.” A team can be loaded with talent, but if the “chemistry” is off, it will hurt their chance of winning. 

How can we improve the chemistry of those we play with? How about in our classes, at a job, or even in our own family? How about our relationship to God? James 1:19 gives us three things to help us. First, listen. It could be a coach giving us instruction or a friend needing help, but if we allow them to speak to us, it shows love and respect to them. Second, be slow to speak. You don’t always have to say something in response. If you do, think your answer out. Thirdly, don’t get angry easily. James 1:20 says, “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” 

These are simple and important ways to reflect God and His love to others. If we hear each other out, and be loving in our responses, our relationships will only get stronger. 

Go:

1. Have you ever been too quick to answer someone? What happened, as a result?

2. How do you feel when people listen to you? 

3. What can happen when we get angry?

Overtime:

Father, thank You for hearing me, even when I don’t always hear others or You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.