When studying the Word of God, we witness Christ's interactions with His Heavenly Father, His disciples, the Pharisees, His persecutors, and all those He touched, healed, and forgave. People listened to Him ... and He listened to them.
As followers, we are to emulate His example ... Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
Quick to hear ... Poor listeners only want to hear themselves. Even in the midst of your conversation, their ego-centric thoughts are on what they are going to say next when you pause to take a breath. Christians must learn how to be quiet and truly listen with spiritual discernment (not only to the words of men but more importantly ... to the Word of God).
Slow to speak …
When the appropriate time to speak comes, what is said should be carefully thought out. We have a latent carnal nature that tends to be self-confident and impulsive. Be on guard. Knowing that we are weak, ignorant, and naturally prone to evil ... we must pause, look to God, and wait upon Him before opening our mouths.
Slow to anger ...
An indignant spirit can never be attentive. When anger is held onto, listening is abandoned. We must covet and cultivate a reticent tongue and a calm temper. Controlling one's wrath actually comes from being 'swift to hear' and 'slow to speak'.
These three disciplines can only be accomplished through God-given 'temperance' ... a Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
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