“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19 (KJV)
According to James 1:19, we need to slow down, listen attentively to others, and think carefully before speaking or acting – we should strive to pay attention.
As Christians, it is essential to develop good listening skills. This applies not only to listening to others but also listening to God.
When we examine the people Jesus addressed during His ministry, we find that many heard His words but few truly listened to understand. Even His disciples struggled to grasp the meaning behind His teachings, often failing to connect the dots. The chief priests and religious leaders heard Jesus, but their preconceived notions hindered true understanding. We know, however, that one individual demonstrated exceptional listening skills and truly comprehended Jesus’ message: her name was Mary.
What set Mary apart was her commitment to finding and making time to listen (Luke 10:38-42). She eagerly listened, was self-motivated to seek spiritual understanding, and made the spiritual a priority in her life.
Unlike selective listeners who tune out what they don’t want to hear, Mary refrained from this practice. She let go of busyness, preconceived notions, and misconceptions, allowing herself to truly hear and understand Jesus’ message. Mary’s willingness to listen positioned her to comprehend Jesus’ impending death when others failed to make the connection.
As believers, we must truly listen, humble ourselves, acknowledge that we don’t know everything, and pay attention to both the words spoken and the meaning behind them. Christ has given us precise instructions on how to live. Put aside preconceived notions and hear what He’s saying.
Read: Proverbs 18:13; Matthew 11:15
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 106:16-31; 2 Corinthians 10; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Isaiah 19