Biweekly Devotional 5-21-2026

Published by Pastor Harry Zuraski in Biweekly Devotional · Thursday 21 May 2026 · 2 minutes
Tags: Biweekly, Devotional, 5, 21, 2026

James 1:19 – 20

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

If we truly applied the wisdom of James, we would begin by making a conscious effort to listen carefully and attentively. Too often, during conversations or discussions, our focus shifts toward preparing our own responses rather than genuinely hearing what the other person is expressing. This tendency becomes even more pronounced when we are passionate about the topic at hand, leading us to prioritize our own viewpoints over understanding others.

However, to love as God commands, we are called to practice active listening. This involves not only hearing the words spoken by others but also striving to understand their perspectives—the experiences and feelings that shape their point of view. By doing so, we cultivate empathy, allowing ourselves to connect with others on a deeper level and appreciate their unique circumstances.

When we invite God’s Spirit to guide our interactions, we are empowered to shift from destructive patterns of communication to constructive dialogue. Even if disagreements remain unresolved, we play a vital role in ensuring that situations do not escalate or worsen. As followers of Christ, our calling is to be peacemakers—those who bridge gaps and foster understanding.

Achieving this requires us to listen with love and respect for everyone, embodying the example set by Jesus. Through compassionate listening, we can create spaces of peace, healing, and connection, fulfilling our calling to reflect God’s love in our relationships with others.