6. Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

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,


Technology, news, and social media are in its proper place when it starts great conversations. It’s out of its proper place when it prevents us from talking with and listening to one another.

Ask yourself often, “should I post this?” Does this need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Does what I am saying express charity, unity, and a willingness to listen or speak antagonism and division?

Social media is a great place for awareness, but a terrible place for conversations. Use social media with caution and increased awareness. Some of the most powerful movements have started on social media, but the conversation and action is more beyond the virtual and into the local.

Ask good questions. Listen first, talk second. Seek to understand. Be aware of your biases and be honest about them. It is not necessarily bad to be biased (we all are), but rather we must be honest and open about our bias. We don’t let our bias have the final word.