My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – (James 1:19, NIV)
My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. – (James 1:19, ERV)
Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters. – (James 1:19, VOICE)
This is one of the most challenging times of the school year, as the end is in sight, yet we are in the final push of State and District testing. Kids are weary and on edge, and behaviors that try a teacher’s patience are manifesting regularly. It is more important than ever that we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Just yesterday, I had a student come to first period, clearly upset and off. I recognized that there was something wrong and provided space for the student to take time to reset and express the concerns she was carrying. Because I was slow to speak and did not become angry, I was able to listen and recognize that this was a child in front of me who had been facing adult problems the night prior at home. She needed kindness and concern, not orders to suck it up and get to work. Consequently, she actually was able to come into class and do her best, despite her circumstances. My response was not in my own humanity, but rather by God’s grace. He supplies what we need as we seek Him, but we must listen to His leading and do as He is asking. Our kids need covering, care and concern, not the cruelty and criticism they receive from many of their peers. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us to love those around us well, and may we ever be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Lead us to listen,
so we truly hear;
the need around us,
Father, please be near.
Help us hold our tongue,
so we speak with care;
let Your love guide us,
and make us aware.
Aware of the need,
wherever we are;
God, show us Your heart,
and do not be far.
Grant us self-control,
keep anger in check;
let gentleness lead,
as love takes effect.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Thank You that You do not merely ask this of us, but You have modeled and equipped us to do likewise. Forgive us for the times our tempers have flared or our mouths have moved before we truly listened. Teach us to ever seek You to lead us in love as You have loved each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to help us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:18