When God Speaks

Do you always have a response quickly? Are you, like me, quick to commit, only later wishing you could have a do-over reply? Do you think before you speak? Most of us do not. Maybe later in life learning to think before you speak, but only after numerous times speaking quickly and regretting it later. The lesson is to ‘push pause’ before any commitment is made and again, pausing before speaking. The Word tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Unfortunately for many of us, we act as if we are dyslexic in understanding this. Always rushing to be quick to speak, slow to listen which brings about being quick to anger. The exact opposite of what we need to do.

The reasons are probably many in why we do this, but I would venture to say for most it comes down to people pleasing , always wanting to be the likable one, the one everyone can count on. For years, my excuse was I would ask, ‘What if it were me?’ My reasoning being maybe if I ever needed (fill in the blank whatever it was) that I may be helped. That is manipulation. I am giving something with motives by expecting something in return for my deeds or words. I learned late in life to never loan anything, only give what I can. This keeps me from being angry when the favor is not returned or returned late. Always wanting to be liked at the expense of listening for the still, small voice of God which always brings peace with no regrets.

When we ‘push pause’ before any action is taken, we can hear the voice of reasoning, God’s direction. We may need to take a little time before answering depending on what is asked of us. The person will understand if this is the case and if not, oh well, pause anyway. Regrets are avoidable if we take the needed time to respond wisely. Better to think first than lose a friend over avoidable things.

The book of James talks at length about the tongue and hastily made decisions. Nothing good can come from speaking without thinking first. When we push pause, we can better understand the involvement needed and whether we have time to commit to some things. James tells us the tongue is small, but has great potential to destroy if used improperly. Our words can do a lot of harm to another, even making light of something or being the class clown, can harm others when that was never our intention. Listen closely, ask questions, and pray about everything. Most times, the first words we think of are the last ones we should use. But, with a listening ear and a discerning heart, we can help more by thinking about our words before we let them out even when the answer is ‘no’. I assure you that there will be no regrets when using this formula.

You have heard the phrase, ‘God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason’; well, I’m pretty certain that is the breakdown of James 1:19, being quick to listen and slow to speak. Our words can build up or tear down. All depending on listening for that still, small voice of God to direct us. Many relationships have been damaged and some to the point of no return over a few words spoken before thinking. Don’t chance it, just push pause. Everybody wins with this mindset. So, as you go about your day, please remember: Slow down and think first before speaking. Let your words be full of grace, encouraging one another and building up those who need it much. Bless you all as you bless one another.