The Power of Active Listening

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 (NIV).

Recently, in prayer, I was reminded of my own stubbornness, much like a toddler wanting to do things my way, only to later wonder why I struggle to hear God. This led me to see that I approach interactions with people similarly—focusing on my own agenda instead of truly listening. It is a humbling realization that challenges me to communicate more thoughtfully as a Christian professional.

I currently work in a large marketing department, and I often joke that, despite being communication specialists, we struggle with it ourselves. There are frequent communication challenges between teams, and I can not help but wonder how this affects the messages we send to our clients. Communication, I’ve learned, is not just about clarity in words but also about being fully present and attentive.

James 1:19 says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." This verse holds a deeper meaning for me beyond the surface instruction. While many focus on being slow to speak and slow to anger, I find the true challenge lies in mastering the art of active listening.

Do we listen merely to respond, or do we listen to truly engage? In the busyness of life, it’s easy to rush through conversations, often thinking, "Can they just get to the point?" But real listening involves understanding someone else’s perspective and hearing more than just their words. When we are fully present, we create chances for stronger connections and better conversations. Listening carefully helps us understand others more deeply and opens new doors of understanding and compassion.

God is incredibly patient with us as we navigate life, striving to become who He created us to be. He pours out grace on us daily, and we are called to extend that same grace to others. It begins with how we engage with those around us, ensuring that our interactions leave a positive impact. We do not need to sign every email with "God Bless," but we can reflect His light more brightly by making our communication a true reflection of God's character.

Challenge

This week, practice being fully present in your conversations. Take time to actively listen without rushing to respond. Be intentional in understanding the heart behind the words, and let your communication reflect Christ’s grace and patience.

Prayer

Lord, teach me to listen with an open heart and to speak with wisdom and grace. Help me to be patient in my interactions, reflecting Your love in how I communicate with others. May my words and actions bring peace, understanding, and encouragement to everyone I encounter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.