Today's Reading:
Isaiah 1:1-2:22
James 1:19-2:17
Psalm 136:1-12
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore,
get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly
accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Insight:
I've
heard it said that God gave us two ears and one mouth, and we should
use them proportionately. That advice seems to go along pretty well with
James' instruction. James suggests that being quick to listen and slow
to speak would help us be slower to get angry. Anger––at least the kind
of anger we have when we shoot off our mouths before listening––is
contrary to the righteous life God desires for us and from us. We need
to be serious about turning away from sin and, instead, being humble and
receptive toward God's word.
Response and Action:
I
want to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I need to become a better
listener. I need to listen to God's leading through his word. I need to
listen to what others are saying and be careful to keep my responses
and my attitudes in check. Careless anger is inconsistent with seeking
God and trying to please him. I will guard against it.
O
God, make me an instrument of your peace. Help me to become a good
listener and to use words with careful measure. Give me the grace to
relate to others in loving and healthy ways. Give me a mouth that
blesses and encourages. Teach me to delight in your will and to walk in
your ways to the glory of your name. I pray through Christ Jesus my
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 34:11-14
11
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep
your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from
evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Resources:
Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project
by Dave Isay
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