Justin Tucker
LHC Worship Pastor
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Do you ever feel like it’s easy to rush through our time with God? We read His Word, pray, and attend worship services, but do we truly listen? James 1:19 reminds us of the importance of cultivating the art of listening in our spiritual walk.
First off, when reading the Bible, don’t rush through the verses. Take time to absorb the words, reflecting on their meaning. Allow God’s message to penetrate your heart. In the quietness of your soul,let the Holy Spirit convict you, let His wisdom guide you, and His love inspire you.
In prayer, remember that communication with God is a two-way street. Often, we’re quick to present our requests, but we neglect to listen to His response. Spend moments in silence, opening your heart to hear His still, small voice. It is in these moments of attentive listening that you’ll find guidance, comfort, and a deeper connection with your Creator.
When corporately worshiping, be present in mind and spirit. Singing and praising are wonderful expressions of worship, but also make space to listen to the words of the songs and the message being shared. Let the collective worship experience edify your soul and draw you closer to God.
Being “slow to speak and slow to become angry” reminds us to exercise patience and humility. It’s easy to rush into debates or anger when discussing matters of faith, but a patient, listening heart can lead to more meaningful conversations and understanding among believers.
The entire thrust of James 1:19 is to encourage us to slow down and truly listen in our spiritual practices. In doing so, we open ourselves up to deeper connections with God, gain insight into His Word, and foster unity in our faith community. Let us cherish the art of listening as we draw near to our Heavenly Father.