Beautiful Word: Your Daily Devotion

Daily Scriptural Insights, Curated by the Editors of CT | [View online] [ChristianityToday.org][Donate] [Beautiful Word Newsletter] Wednesday, February 01, 2017 The Hard Work of Communication [Karina Allen] Today’s Verse Powered by the [New Living Translation] “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 [View in context] When I first read James 1:19, it almost feels too easy—three simple steps. How hard can that be, right? But when I really think about it, I realize that it’s far easier to read than it is to live. To be slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to become angry all take a great deal of effort on my part. It’s a reminder that apart from the Holy Spirit living in me, teaching me to work out my salvation, I’ll never be able to be the kind of friend I want to have in my life. Small issues turn into larger problems when we’re not slow to speak. Miscommunication gives way to arguments when we’re not quick to listen. Bitterness and offense run rampant when we’re not slow to anger. Assumptions lead to divisions—the opposite of the unity God desires for us. But through the Holy Spirit in us, the Word of God can bring lasting change in how we think, speak, and live. It’s been said that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. May we each learn to listen with our ears, hearts, and minds open. May we believe the best in others, offer them the benefit of the doubt when friendship is hard work, and extend grace as often as possible. God is constantly calling us to view others through the lens of Christ. It’s not always easy or our natural inclination; nevertheless, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. After all, when God is quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, how could we respond with anything less? Reflect: Read James 1:19. Which of the three instructions in this passage is most difficult for you? Why? Pray: Confess your own failures and shortcomings in light of James 1:19. Ask God to give you the strength and wisdom you need to live by these principles for communication. Karina Allen is a writer in the (in)courage community. Excerpted from [Craving Connection: 30 Challenges for Real-Life Engagement] from the (in)courage community. Copyright 2017 B&H Publishing Group. [Read devotions online] | [Share with a friend] More for Women [What the Hygge Trend Tells Me About True Comfort] [What the Hygge Trend Tells Me About True Comfort] I like warm socks, coffee, and a cozy fire. But real, sustainable self-care involves something unexpected. D.L. Mayfield [The Surprisingly Positive Legacy of the Kermit Gosnell Case] [The Surprisingly Positive Legacy of the Kermit Gosnell Case] How the worst of the abortion industry brought out the best of pro-life advocacy. Kelly Rosati Follow Us [Facebook] [Twitter] [RSS] [Subscribe to this newsletter] In the Current Issue [January/February] [500 Years After Luther, We Still Feel the Pressure to Be Justified][Subscriber access only] [Reading the Reformation in 2017] [Ultrasounds Help Bridge Evangelical and Catholic Theology][Subscriber access only] [View Full Issue] [Subscribe Now] Christian Bible Studies [The Bond of Friendship] [In our modern day of mobility and instant gratification, what might lifelong dedication to a friend mean?] [by JoHannah Reardon] [Beautiful Word] Delivered via email to subscribers daily. [Subscribe] | [Email Preferences] | [Unsubscribe] | [Privacy Policy] | [Advertise] | [Subscribe to CT] You are currently subscribed as: {EMAIL} Copyright ©2017 [ChristianityToday.org], Christianity Today, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.