Quick to Listen

​There is a familiar quote that states “to be silent is to be complicit”. This of course can apply to all of us on so many levels socially, politically, and religiously. So if we take this quote to heart, it may signal that we have started to speak up about matters that concern us in all the above-mentioned categories. Silence on all those issues is a choice. But if we choose to speak out, does God have some advice that pertains to the manner in which we vocally present what is in our hearts?
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Craig Catlett

​Matthew 15:17-19 states, “Do you not understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated? But whatever (word) comes out of the mouth comes from the heart and this is what defiles and dishonors us”. So perhaps in layman’s terms this is saying “keep your words soft and sweet, someday you may have to eat them”; but it does not say bury your feelings.

Acts 18:9-10 tells us, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you”. So let’s go back to silence equaling complicity. How wonderfully fortunate we are to have a God that states “I am with you” in our daily lives and in our vocal expressions.

In James 1:19-20 we read, “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”. Notice the first advice here is to be quick about listening, then slow to speak, and slow to anger.

Part of our “speaking out” has to be the great skill of listening as stated in this chapter in Acts. If we only speak and do not listen, we are missing 50% of the equation for honest and open communication. With God’s grace and guidance while moving forward with our “Love First” mission, we can listen and speak up in a manner that will benefit us all.

In His name, Craig