SPEAKER_00: Life moves fast these days, and unfortunately, the way we talk to one another does too.
SPEAKER_00: The second a conversation gets tense, our instinct kicks in.
SPEAKER_00: Defend, push back, get the last word.
SPEAKER_00: In James 119, he slows us down.
SPEAKER_00: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this.
SPEAKER_00: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
SPEAKER_00: Notice the order he puts those in.
SPEAKER_00: Quick to listen first, and only then slow to speak, slow to anger.
SPEAKER_00: People have always loved to argue and react out of emotion.
SPEAKER_00: That is nothing new.
SPEAKER_00: But James knew that our heated, defensive words never build what God desires in our relationships.
SPEAKER_00: Our whole posture changes when we decide to listen before we answer.
SPEAKER_00: Let's begin by thanking God for how patient he has been with you.
SPEAKER_00: Thank him that he is slow to anger, that he listens and stays even when you stumble.
SPEAKER_00: Thank him that in Jesus you are fully known and completely safe.
SPEAKER_00: Now ask God for the strength to pause the next time you feel the pull to defend yourself.
SPEAKER_00: Think about your day ahead.
SPEAKER_00: Which conversation or which person are you most likely to speak too quickly with?
SPEAKER_00: Ask Him to steady your heart and filter your words right there in that moment.
SPEAKER_00: Breathe out slowly and let the urge to be right loosen its grip.
SPEAKER_00: Picture yourself listening first, unhurried, before a single word leaves your mouth.
SPEAKER_00: Tell him quietly, make me quick to listen and slow to speak.
SPEAKER_00: What relationship in your life is full of sharp words and the same repetitive arguments?
SPEAKER_00: Ask God to bring healing there and to replace defensiveness with a genuine willingness to listen, starting with you.
SPEAKER_00: Forgive us for the words that have done damage because we were too quick to defend ourselves.
SPEAKER_00: We want to honor you with our conversations and our relationships.
SPEAKER_00: In Jesus' name, amen.