Before You Say That

Everyone should be quick to listen

and slow to speak

— James 1:19

You and I already know that too many people, probably including both of us, have been guilty of cutting someone off in the middle of what they were saying.

We also know what it’s like to be formulating our response without listening to the entirety of what the other person’s saying.

Being able to reflect back what’s been said is a common technique that’s greatly appreciated.

Asking questions for clarity is helpful, too.

And best of all, pausing to consider what’s been communicated to us before we respond can be ground breaking.

Or as The New Testament says, Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak. (James 1:19)

That includes us. Today.

That’s hard work. But the people in our lives are worth it.