Slow To Speak And Quick To Listen

"My dear brothers and sisters,

take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak

and to become angry."

James 1:19 (NIV)

Many times I hear Christians asking intrusive questions of others that are inconsiderate and rude, often turning people away from church, instead of drawing them to it.

Here are a few examples:

1. Why weren't you at the Bible study?
2. Why don't you come to church regularly?
3. Why didn't you return my call?
4. How come you are not married yet?
5. When are you going to start a family?
6. How much did that cost?

A Christian needs to be slow to speak . . .

. . . and quick to listen.

In other words, a Christian needs to really care about the other person, by looking to the other person's interest, instead of his/her own.

'Not looking to your own interests,

but each of you

to the interests of the others."

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)