Listening & Understanding
Scripture
James 1:19-25
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Proverbs 15:1-2
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Proverbs 15:1-2
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Listening & Understanding
Listening is one of the most overlooked disciplines of unity. James offers simple yet profound wisdom: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. These words remind us that unity grows where understanding is prioritized.
Many conflicts are not necessarily rooted in disagreement, but in feeling unheard or misunderstood. When people are not listened to, frustration builds and division follows. Listening communicates value. It says, “Your voice matters.”
True listening requires humility and patience. It means setting aside assumptions, resisting the urge to interrupt, and seeking to understand before responding. This kind of listening reflects the heart of Christ, who consistently listened with compassion and grace.
In a diverse body, listening becomes even more essential. Differences in background, experience, and perspective can enrich the church—but only if space is made for understanding. Listening builds bridges across those differences and fosters unity.
Today, consider how you listen. Are you quick to respond or quick to understand? Do you listen to reply, or to truly hear?
Ask God to cultivate a listening heart. Pray for the ability to hear not only words, but emotions and intent. As you practice intentional listening, unity deepens, trust grows, and relationships are strengthened.
Listening well is an act of love—and love is the foundation of unity.
Many conflicts are not necessarily rooted in disagreement, but in feeling unheard or misunderstood. When people are not listened to, frustration builds and division follows. Listening communicates value. It says, “Your voice matters.”
True listening requires humility and patience. It means setting aside assumptions, resisting the urge to interrupt, and seeking to understand before responding. This kind of listening reflects the heart of Christ, who consistently listened with compassion and grace.
In a diverse body, listening becomes even more essential. Differences in background, experience, and perspective can enrich the church—but only if space is made for understanding. Listening builds bridges across those differences and fosters unity.
Today, consider how you listen. Are you quick to respond or quick to understand? Do you listen to reply, or to truly hear?
Ask God to cultivate a listening heart. Pray for the ability to hear not only words, but emotions and intent. As you practice intentional listening, unity deepens, trust grows, and relationships are strengthened.
Listening well is an act of love—and love is the foundation of unity.
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