So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1.19, 20

Life Together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
“The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for brethren is learning to listen to them.”

Listening is an active, not a passive skill. Being a good listener means resisting distracting thoughts – especially of what you would like to say next – and focusing attention on the words of others. Good listeners frame questions to follow-up on the comments of others, to invite them to further elaborate their views or feelings. Good listeners also internalize what they are hearing, rather than just let it go by without reflection, to get on to the next thing. And good listeners pray as they are listening, so that they’re listening to God at the same time they’re listening to others. That way they are open to receive the grace they will need to minister grace through their speech.

How do you know when someone is listening to you? How does this make you feel? How might you improve your own skills as a listener?

Praying for Revival
During the third week of each month, pastors and lay leaders join as men together in the Lord to seek Him for revival. Here’s a way you can experience the unity of life together in the Body of Christ, with pastors from other churches and places, as you join to seek the Lord in prayer. If you would like to join one of our online Revival Prayer Groups, send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and we’ll make it happen for you.

Seasoned with Grace?
Our ReVision study, Seasoned with Grace, can be an excellent tool for working with leaders and others to improve our ability to use our speech in edifying ways. Seven brief lessons, including questions for reflection or discussion, and it’s available free by clicking here.

We rejoice in the goodness of our heavenly Father, Who provides the support our ministry requires through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.