In Case of Emergency – Stay Connected - Thursday


Today’s Verse

James 1:19

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)


Have you watched a Presidential debate recently? You probably already know exactly where I’m going with this. We humans have a tendency to let our emotions get the best of us. I’m not throwing any stones here, though, because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done the exact opposite of what James 1:19 tells us to do. Slow to listen? Guilty. Quick to speak? Guilty. Let my anger get the best of me? Guilty on all charges! 

I think it’s timely that we are discussing this topic less than a week before Election Day. If you want to see why a verse like this is written in the Bible, scroll on social media for a little bit. I promise it won’t be long before you read the arguments. They are ugly, divisive, and the complete opposite of what Jesus desires for the Christian life. God wants us to open our ears and listen to people. Before we share our opinion or say anything we regret, He wants us to think. He also desires for us to control our emotions and not let anger control us. Of course, that’s not how the world works, but Jesus says we should be in the world but not of the world. 

Do you want to do something radical? Invite someone who thinks differently from you to coffee and listen to their point of view. Don’t argue with them or try to prove them wrong, simply listen and try to understand where they are coming from. 

You may wonder what all of this has to do with staying connected. If we are looking for unity and order, true connection, we have to be willing to sit down with one another, listen well, and live in harmony. 


REFLECTION

Who can you listen to today? Is there someone that you’ve been avoiding because they think differently? Start a conversation with them and demonstrate God’s love to them through listening.


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In Case of Emergency – Stay Connected - Friday

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In Case of Emergency – Stay Connected - Wednesday