Now that is a pretty odd thing to be quick at, isn’t it? Have you ever thought about being quick to listen? Ready… set… LISTEN! There may not be training or practice involved in that, but there is a whole lot of discipline and going against our natural instincts required to be a good listener.
Our natural tendency is to speak quickly and sometimes without even listening. We often want to give our two cents worth of advice to someone before we have given them a chance to fully explain their situation. We may cut them off and give them the solution to their problem when we are convinced we have all the information we need.
It has been way too often that I have blurted something out and then realized that I should have put more thought into my words before letting them come out of my mouth. Once you speak, it is too late to take back what has been said. Damage may have been done, someone may have been hurt by what was said, and even lives may have potentially been changed by thoughtless words.
You cannot put the toothpaste back into the tube, as the old saying goes. That is why it is important to listen first and give careful thought to what you are going to say before you say it. Words are powerful and important. Be slow to get angry for the same reason. Your words can be destructive and hurtful. Use your words to bring healing and restoration.
As you listen to others speak, don’t just hear their words, but try to understand what is behind the words. Know the person that is speaking and pay attention to the nonverbal communication of the speaker so, as you are listening to them, you will be able to bring wise and loving counsel to them. Be quick to listen!
James 1:19 (NLT) - “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”