Learning to Listen

We're Still Learning Pt. 1 | February 1, 2026

Pastor Wes Morris

James 1:19-20 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

✓ IT’S TRAINING US TO REACT, NOT REFLECT.

Numbers 20:1-12 (NLT) In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place?”

Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord said to Moses, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water." 

So Moses did as he was told. Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

✓  IT’S BUILDING IDENTITY AROUND OUTRAGE.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV) Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

✓  IT CAN STUNT OUR EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

I Peter 2:21-23 (TLB) Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps: He never sinned, never told a lie, never answered back when insulted; when he suffered he did not threaten to get even; he left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly.

LEARNING TO LISTEN

I. WALK IN HUMILITY.

Humility says: “I might not have the whole story.”

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) To answer before listening - that is folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:13 (GNT) Listen before you answer. If you don't, you are being stupid and insulting.

II. PRACTICE PATIENCE.

Patience says: “Understanding takes time.”

Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.


III. CHOOSE LOVE.

Love says: “You matter enough for me to slow down.”

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.