ECWA Food For The Day TOPIC: LISTEN TWICE SPEAK ONCE MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2024

JAMES 1:19-20 NIV

19:My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

20:because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

ECWA Food For The Day TOPIC: LISTEN TWICE SPEAK ONCE MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2024

One of the most difficult, yet important, skills in counselling is listening. But, somehow, listening appears to be weakness to many people. In a competitive world such as ours, being assertive is seen as strength. James speaks about being quick to listen and slow to speak.

The Amplified Bible renders being slow to speak as being slow to take offense. Based on this understanding speaking comes in the form of an attack. But how can speaking be likened to an offense or attack?

When you think of the content of words that come out of some people, you know that sometimes it is better to be physically beaten than hear them. So, while words edify, some destroy. To guard against such destructive words, it is important that more time is taken to listen. When you listen, you understand others better.

Anger, which is a natural reaction to unwholesome words, does not bring about anything profitable. James says that anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ECWA Food For The Day TOPIC: LISTEN TWICE SPEAK ONCE MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2024

QUESTION: Why is it difficult for you to listen?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, give me the patience to listen before speaking, in Jesus name. Amen.

ECWA Food For The Day – 2024