Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger— James [Jacob] 1:19, TLV
Listening. Apparently, not much has changed since two souls were kicked out of the Garden. We’re still slow to listen, but quick to speak and get angry. Sigh. With more venues to “listen” and “speak” than ever before, there’s been a dark cloud of anger hanging over the world lately. How have we contributed to that cloud?
We’re not responsible for others’ anger, right? Maybe, maybe not.
The key is to listen and absorb what the other person is saying — or attempting to say. Pray to hear what common ground to build on, without compromising our faith and integrity. Pray for wisdom. Then speak. Hence the slow to speak part.
When words abound, transgression is unavoidable.
but whoever restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19, TLV
When we speak, try to avoid building a clock, rather than just telling the time — something my hubby says to me be a lot. In other words, address the simplest theme of agreement, then disagreement. Don’t overcomplicate with so many words the real issues get lost. Then repeat the process: listen to their response, slow to speak, stay calm.
… for human anger doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. (vs. 20, TLV)
If still there is an impasse and the other party only gets angrier, depart in shalom, in peace as best we can. Someone who doesn’t offer the same respect, most likely won’t listen. We’re not compromising our faith to walk away. And it’s not our job to defend GOD. Because the last time I checked, He can take care of Himself.
Shabbat shalom.
I love your books and thanks fir the chance to win.
Hi Virginia! Thanks for stopping by! Leslie is such an inspiring writer, isn’t she! Thanks for entering the giveaway! God bless you!
Thank you, Virginia! Thank you so much for stopping by and entering the giveaway!
An interesting interview and premise for a book. Congratulations on your new book and all of your writing accomplishments.
Thanks for stopping by, Gail! I am such a fan of Leslie’s books, too! Thanks for entering! God bless you!
Thank you so much, Gail!
I live just outside Gettysburg and Amish stories hold special import for me, too.
Hi Linda! I can always depend on you to stop by and encourage these great authors. By the way, when we lived in PA, we helped with the organization of the Messiah Conference held at Messiah College in Grantham. A lot of the attendees would visit Gettysburg and the Amish area. Thanks for entering! God bless you!
I used to read some Amish fiction but admit that in the last few years I automatically skip over them because there are just so many books out there. After reading your blog, I’m definitely interested in checking out Leslie’s books! Can this second book in the series be read as a stand-alone?
That’s exactly what happened to me, but when a very trusted friend directed me toward Leslie’s books I knew I would be a forever reader! Well, as long as my eyes keep working!
Yes, it can be read as a stand-alone, but you get the best from reading the first book.
Thanks for stopping by and entering, Laura!
Thank you, Laura and Terri! Your comments make me very happy!
This Passing Hour sounds good. Subscribed to newletter.
Oh, Emma, it really is! Thanks for the subscribe and for stopping by! You got those entries! God bless.