James 1:19-27

Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

– James 1:19-27

Devotion

As a child of God, you are indwelt by the Spirit of God who wants to teach you the Word of God. James therefore instructs us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak.” God gave us two ears and one mouth. Listening is a lost art today. In this noisy world, there are many different voices trying to get our attention. If we are to grow in our relationship with Christ, we must learn to tune out the noise of the world and tune into the Spirit of God as He speaks God’s Word into our hearts. This is a difficult saying for sure. James says that we are not only to listen to the Word but do what it says! An obedient heart is sure evidence of a life of faith. James is not making a case here for works-based salvation. On the contrary, He is making the point that saving faith produces a life of good works. This includes being a good listener!

The Big Question

Do you struggle to be a good listener? Do you find yourself talking too much when you are around other people? How about in your prayer life? Are you able to rein in your tongue or do you just blurt out whatever is on your mind? Being a good listener is a sign of spiritual maturity. How are you doing?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.