DCLM Higher Everyday 28 April 2024 — Listen More, Speak less
Topic: Listen More, Speak less
Text: James 1:13-19
13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Key Verse: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” ( James 1:19).
Message
Someone once said, “The All-wise God made two ears so we can hear quick, but made one mouth so we could speak few words, so wise people speak few but gracious words.” Listen dear friend, are you gifted with eloquence and intelligence? This is great, but you need to learn to speak less and listen more, particularly to God’s words, instructions from your teachers, and advice from your parents or guardians. Listen when others are speaking, even when you seem to have a better opinion about the subject matter. Do not shout people down when they are talking. Avoid all forms of pride and haughtiness because pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18-19).
Wise friends of Jesus always listen to others like Jesus always does to everybody; listen attentively and speak graciously. Let your words heal the broken hearted and not hurt or break people’s hearts. Let your words woo and win sinners to Christ and not wound and scare them. Remember, your words speak much about you!
Quote: Speak less and listen more.
Challenge: “I must speak my mind,” leads to too much speaking.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to listen carefully and speak edifying words always.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
