Today in the assembly, the
preacher read from James: “My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19). The preacher gave some good
examples of how we should apply this, and then I thought about some other ways
that this passage needs to change our minds.
There are certain hot button issues in our world today. People who take
the Bible seriously are often known for their quick response in some of these
cases. Gay marriage comes to mind, or even same-sex attraction. Amazingly, to
me, gun control is another one. From another angle, you could add patriotism and the military to
the list. Contrary to the words of James, Christians are often seen as those
who are quick to speak, quick to become angry and prone to listen very little to
those who disagree with them. It seems that some believers model their
communication on the talkers on cable news more than on the teachings of
Scripture.
It is possible that some now reading this have already stopped listening. They may have decided this is a call to compromise and are forming their own
response. Please wait. This is not a call to compromise, but to relationship building.
If we would listen to those we don’t understand, we would communicate to those "others" that we value them. Such listening will mean in some cases that we will
learn some things we didn’t know, and in all cases, it will show the other
person that we care for them. Surely, that is a bridge over which truth is much
more likely to pass.
Sometimes, the reputation of Bible believers needs to be
changed.
Thank you for covering this topic. I agree that Christians are perceived as quick to listen. However, Christians need to be careful in what they are hearing on television and radio, which is poison. Formed opinions on these topics may cause brothers and sisters to struggle or fall if their opinions are different. This is serious stuff. The Bible says that in Matthew 24:9-11 ...At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. I believe all of this is stuff is deceptive. We need to concentrate on being in the fight and not concentrated on the things that you stated above.
ReplyDeleteThe point is about relationship building. Nice! I need to listen better. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to James, Proverbs gives us good advice: "To answer before listening-- that is folly and shame." (Proverbs 18:13). If we prejudge people, we seldom make them feel heard, and how can we guide them toward truth if that is missing? How interested will they be in listening to us? And on some issues, how much will we learn ourselves, if we just want to present our view? May God give us wisdom, for the first response above is correct--it is a dangerous world with many false ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reply. I might have not explain myself well. My point that I was trying to make was that this has affected relationships with our brothers and sisters. Relationships are closer to those who agree with your viewpoint. It should not matter what a person's viewpoint is, we should love all our brothers and sisters. I am concern that it can cause hearts to grow cold. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
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