We have an answer for everything now, don't we?
Before we finish watching. Before they finish speaking.
We know where they're wrong. And why.
We jump straight to the comments to share. We wait for the gap so we can tell them why they're wrong.
Even among sinners, Jesus listened.
In James 1:19–21, believers are told to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. James says human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. He calls us to listen. To receive God's word humbly.
How hard is that when we're hearing something outrageous.
We mistake the strength of our reaction for proof that we're defending something holy.
Most arguments aren't holy. And strong reactions clearly don't make us right.
Think of your last conversation. Did you truly hear what the other person said? Or just enough to prepare your response?
Listening like Jesus doesn't mean we agree with a lie. We can listen and still tell the truth.
Jesus could ask a question before answering a challenge. When the Pharisees and Herodians tested Him, He responded with a question (Mark 12:13–17).
We are called to truth. To bear light. That means we may still need to correct someone or something.
But take it from James: we can listen first. Understand.
Then ask God to change the way we speak and relate.
We may find we spread the Kingdom more effectively by listening like Jesus did.