You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak. If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. James 1:19 & 26

One of readings this past Sunday was from the letter of James. James has a firm grip on how he thinks we should behave as persons living Jesus shaped lives. Over the next few days we will explore some 7 or 8 of James principles. James says, our Character counts. Our true religion is seen not in the things we do, but in the inner transformation of our hearts. James, says that we should live a life of authenticity – being true to who you are as Jesus shaped people. Our behaviour must be consistent. It does not matter whom you are with, where you are or the situation. One must be consistent.

James says quick to listen, and slow to speak. Communication is a major issue in all our relationships. We are driven by our egos, who we are and so we do not approach our communication with openness. When we are called to listen we must put aside personalities and just pay attention to what the person is saying. When we listen, all our biases and prejudices listen with us. We are judgmental. When persons speak, we react based on who we think they are. Many of us do not even realize that we are biased, because others have the same bias and it becomes normal to be biased in a particular manner.

James says “If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. The thing is, slowness to speak is important, but generally we would rather not say anything because we do not want to offend. James says you are fooling yourselves. We are not only deceiving ourselves, we are deceiving others too as they can only know what you think by what you say. We cannot live authenticity if we are keeping back something in our hearts that is going to defile us in the long run. We should say what it is and move on. We must learn that life is not about us and our feelings. When persons speak they are seeking to resolve a situation not necessarily to defy us or put us down. We must be open to speaking our truths and listening to the truths of others while ignoring any offence that may seem to be there.

The only thing that should guide how we behave is the principles by which we live. Who we are to be in Jesus is what we are seeking to portray. Therefore we must do what Christ did and what Christ leads us to do. We have to listen to others and hear the voice of Jesus speaking through to us as they speak. We do so as the strength of God pilots us, The power of God preserves us. the wisdom of God instructs us. the hand of God protects us, the way of God directs us, the shield of God defend us, the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. Where God is all is well all will be well all manner of things will be well.

https://youtu.be/16lyqlfL8Zg