Listening Before You Speak

My dear son,

I want you to listen all the way through when someone you love is speaking. Sharing your own thoughts matters, and so does taking time to understand what the other person is feeling and trying to say.

When you are angry, you can wait a little before answering. A louder voice does not make what is right any clearer. I will help you choose honest, gentle words instead of words rushed out in anger.

Let us enjoy the moments of gratitude in today's conversations. If there is something you would like to say differently, tell me first. Tonight, I want your heart to feel the ease of being heard and understood.

With all my love,
Your Father

James 1:19–20

WEB

19So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
20for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

A short reflection

James teaches believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce God's righteousness.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter