“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… “ -James 1:19
Yesterday was a “slow to speak” day. Today, we’re going to practice moving to the next level: Quick to listen.
You might naturally be a quiet person—or have a lower “word count” in a day—but that doesn’t make you a good listener.
When we listen, we’re not waiting to interject our piece. We’re listening to understand a person.
- their experience
- their perspective
- their perception of reality
- their hope for this conversation
Don’t be quietly arrogant. Your silence isn’t about proving a point. Your silence is about wisdom and human connection—valuing the other person, and listening for how you can best contribute to this point of connection.
Simple, not easy.
Also, this is the way of love.