Wednesday, March 26, 2014 

By: Gwen Hitt

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.

Since we have begun writing devotions, I have been amazed how the topics for our devotions just jump out at us during seemingly ordinary daily activities.  For example, when I opened Facebook this morning to ensure that our devotion was posted as scheduled, I came across the following post from a friend:

"Your face is mathematical.  You have 2 ears and a mouth. Use them proportionately. Listen twice as much as you talk."

Although I have heard the listening twice as much as you talk advice before, I took a little time to truly reflect on how doing so could impact our relationships? 

Always know that communication is a key element in the success of any relationship and that you'll know what to say and when to say it when you listen with both of your ears.  In fact, in today's verse, God CLEARLY instructs us to TAKE NOTE of this advice ... His advice for our lives.  

My challenge to you is to live by these words ... be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Truly listen to what others have to say AND never allow anger to control your responses.  Instead, when you do open your mouth, do it in a Godly manner. 

Dear Lord, Help me to listen more intently to others before reacting to what I think they are saying.  Let me see their hearts through their words ... the hearts that You see and love.  

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: Have you ever spoken words that you instantly regretted - words that could have been avoided IF you would have taken the time to listen?