The long list of things I wish I hadn’t said.

Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20

When was the last time words left your mouth before you could stuff them back inside? Words said that harmed someone you cared about or created an avoidable mess and unnecessary harm? If you are anything like me you didn’t have to reach back too far for an example. 

This September we will be exploring the book of James. It’s a short letter tucked in toward the back of our Bibles with powerful potential to transform our relationships, our faith, and the way we follow Jesus. We will be exploring this book and the many ways it points to the power of words to bring justice, blessing, and healing; but we begin with a reminder to listen.

So much conflict can be avoided by simply listening! Decades of misunderstanding can evaporate after minutes of dialogue. Listening creates a space for understanding to enter in and take the place of fear, anger, jealousy, or all the other evils behind harmful words. 

I encourage you all to join me this month in embracing the discipline of listening. Take a five second pause before speaking in a group setting to see if anyone else has input. Resist the temptation to respond instantly to every e-mail or text message, instead taking a minute to center, collect your thoughts, and pray. Really listen and seek to understand the perspective of another person and you may find even your faith deepening when you see the vastness and wideness of God’s works.

Keep the faith!
Pastor Ben