James 1:19 AMP – ‘Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]’
We as human beings tend to magnify the negative in others. On the other hand, we get defensive about our flaws even when we are in the wrong.
The reason today’s devotional is titled “Listen” is to remind us of the importance of listening to those around us. Yes, sometimes your family and close friends can say negative things to you that aren’t meant to be held onto, but what about when they’re right?
What if you really do interrupt a lot? Or what if they’re right that you need to eat better? Or switch majors? How can we learn to take criticism, even annoying criticism, and use it to grow? This is what the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts for (John 14:26)!
I encourage you, do not miss out on growth because of pride. When friends or family give criticism, sometimes it feels like the people closest to us are the ones that don’t understand us. Maybe that’s true sometimes, but sometimes it’s not.
The enemy tries to make our feelings of being misunderstood an excuse to remain bound by anger, laziness, pride, fear, and many other things. There is a time to listen to what people say, and surrender it to the Holy Spirit. He will sort it and lead you into the truth!
PRAYER: (taken from Psalm 139:23-24) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.