October 28, 2025 

James 1:19–22 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Do not merely hear the Word but do what it says.

Devotional: If love is the heartbeat of faith, then love that listens is the pulse that keeps it steady. James gives us a simple, almost motherly reminder: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. It’s advice most of us learned young but still struggle to live out. Because real listening isn’t passive—it’s an act of love. It requires humility, patience, and the willingness to set aside our need to be right or heard.

When we truly listen, we honor the image of God in others. We make space for the Spirit to move in conversations instead of rushing to fill the silence. Listening says, “You matter enough for me to pause.” That’s discipleship in action, not just theology in theory.

James ties listening to obedience. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” It’s a striking thought—that we can deceive ourselves by hearing without acting. Love that never moves beyond words isn’t love at all. Hearing the Word is good, but letting it reshape us is where transformation begins. The same applies to people. We can hear their words and still miss their hearts if we aren’t listening with love.

Imagine what outreach would look like if we listened first. Instead of showing up with answers, we’d start by asking questions. Instead of assuming what people need, we’d take time to hear their stories. Sometimes what the world needs most isn’t another sermon—it’s someone willing to listen long enough for grace to be felt.

Listening love is the kind Jesus practiced. He listened to Bartimaeus shout from the roadside, to the woman at the well unpack her shame, to the centurion plead for his servant, and to His Father in prayer before every major step. He wasn’t in a hurry. His love paid attention.

So before you speak today—before you act, argue, or advise—ask God to help you listen with His ears. You may find that love speaks loudest in silence.

Action: Make it a point today to listen intentionally—to God in prayer, to Scripture as you read, and to someone who needs to be heard.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to love through listening. Help me to slow down and give others the same patience and attention You give me. Open my ears to Your voice and my heart to Your Word, so that what I hear turns into what I live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for the Day: Love listens before it speaks.