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<v SPEAKER_00>Life moves fast these days, and unfortunately, the way we talk to one another does too.

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<v SPEAKER_00>The second a conversation gets tense, our instinct kicks in.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Defend, push back, get the last word.

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<v SPEAKER_00>In James 119, he slows us down.

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<v SPEAKER_00>My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Notice the order he puts those in.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Quick to listen first, and only then slow to speak, slow to anger.

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<v SPEAKER_00>People have always loved to argue and react out of emotion.

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<v SPEAKER_00>That is nothing new.

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<v SPEAKER_00>But James knew that our heated, defensive words never build what God desires in our relationships.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Our whole posture changes when we decide to listen before we answer.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Let's begin by thanking God for how patient he has been with you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Thank him that he is slow to anger, that he listens and stays even when you stumble.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Thank him that in Jesus you are fully known and completely safe.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Now ask God for the strength to pause the next time you feel the pull to defend yourself.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Think about your day ahead.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Which conversation or which person are you most likely to speak too quickly with?

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<v SPEAKER_00>Ask Him to steady your heart and filter your words right there in that moment.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Breathe out slowly and let the urge to be right loosen its grip.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Picture yourself listening first, unhurried, before a single word leaves your mouth.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Tell him quietly, make me quick to listen and slow to speak.

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<v SPEAKER_00>What relationship in your life is full of sharp words and the same repetitive arguments?

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<v SPEAKER_00>Ask God to bring healing there and to replace defensiveness with a genuine willingness to listen, starting with you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Forgive us for the words that have done damage because we were too quick to defend ourselves.

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<v SPEAKER_00>We want to honor you with our conversations and our relationships.

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<v SPEAKER_00>In Jesus' name, amen.