Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
The Power of Listening: Transforming Conversations and Relationships
Through practical steps like active listening, pausing before speaking, and responding with grace, we can embody God's character in our daily interactions. As a pastor, counselor, and educator, I share insights and strategies that help you apply these principles, leading to more fulfilling relationships and a joyful life in Christ. Join me in this journey, and learn how to bring glory to God's name while bringing peace to those around you. For further resources and support, visit my website at jameslongjr.org.
ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Links
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In a world filled with noise, it's easy to get caught up in conversations where we are more eager to speak than to listen. We often find ourselves rushing in to respond, quick to defend or hasty in giving opinions. However, in James 1, verses 19-20, god calls us to adopt a different approach to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. These verses offer us divine wisdom that, when applied, can transform our communication and our relationships. Well, hello, my name is James Long Jr. I am a pastor, counselor and university professor. Welcome to Lessons for Life, where I help people whose pain from their past or their present is influencing their perspective on life, through teaching them about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, principles and promises from God's word and giving them a pathway for change. My goal is to guide you towards peace, hope and joy. In today's lesson, we will be exploring how God's truth can transform our lives and how to experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Christ alone. Here's the passage of scripture that we will be looking at today, from James, chapter 1, verses 19 through 20. It says this Know this, my beloved brothers let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Here's the devotional thought.
Speaker 1:James, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs and other Jewish traditions, highlights the importance of careful listening and measured speech. Being quick to hear means actively engaging in listening to others, but, more importantly, listening to the Word of God. Listening well allows us to understand before we respond, avoiding misinterpretations and unnecessary conflict. When we rush to speak, we often react out of our emotions rather than out of wisdom. James also calls us to be slow to anger. Not all anger is sinful, but when anger is fueled by selfishness, pride or a lack of trust in God, it leads to destructive behaviors. Pride or a lack of trust in God, it leads to destructive behaviors. Human anger driven by our emotions rather than by righteousness does not bring about God's purposes. In fact, it often causes division, hurt and further damage in relationships. Righteousness, the kind that reflects God's character, comes from a heart that seeks peace, patience and understanding. By exercising restraint in our words and our emotions, we can more fully reflect God's character. True wisdom, then, is not found in having the last word or letting our anger spilled out, but listening carefully, speaking thoughtfully and trusting God to work out His justice. When we focus on understanding others rather than proving ourselves right, we walk in humility and produce the kind of righteousness that pleases God, Bringing it home.
Speaker 1:Here are three practical ways to live out the truth of James 1, verses 19-20, in your daily life. 1, practice active listening when engaging in conversations. Make it your goal to listen fully before speaking, ask questions for clarity and resist the urge to interrupt. Listening well demonstrates care. And, number two, pause before speaking. In moments of heightened emotion, especially anger, take a deep breath before responding. This practice of pausing helps you to ensure that your words are thoughtful, constructive and reflective of God's character and love.
Speaker 1:3. Respond with grace. Even in disagreements or frustrating situations, aim to respond with grace and patience, allowing your words to be seasoned with kindness, and remember that your tone can either calm a situation or escalate it. Well, let us pray. Heavenly Father, help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry. Teach me to use my words in ways that build others up and reflect your righteousness. When I feel that the temptation to anger is coming upon me, remind me to pause and trust you. May my speech and my actions bring glory to your name and peace to those around me. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen.
Speaker 1:Now, by following this counsel, we not only grow in our ability to communicate to others, but we also reflect the love, wisdom and peace of Christ in our daily interactions. Let us strive to listen more, speak less and trust. God will work through our patience and restraint to produce the righteousness that he desires. Well, thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, jameslongjrorg. That's jameslongjrorg. There you can also join our Lessons for Life, monthly membership or our online group coaching program, where you will find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God's grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope and joy in Christ alone. Blessings.
