The disciples were told to go and teach others what they had seen, heard and learned from Jesus.  James 1:19-21 “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So, throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” From The Message

Reading this sparks so many visuals for me. How many of us are good listeners? Fortunately, I have several among my friends.  They definitely listen, ponder and then speak.  The Message phrasing of the 21^st verse…”God will landscape you with the Word, making a salvation garden of your life.”  What a great visual! By reading God’s Holy Word, and learning His Ways, He is pruning and trimming us to thrive in His salvation garden. Be a good listener.  Think and pray before you speak. This is a perfect time for that quick prayer,“Holy Spirit, help me.” 

Your reply or advice to what you have just heard will be spirit-led. Anger perhaps will not even evolve. Sometimes I just whisper “Jesus.” We are all human and conversations between spouses, family, good friends, and acquaintances does require us to listen attentively, then with a quick prayer, respond.  Just visualize God weeding in your salvation garden for life. Beautiful thought! God loves us unconditionally. Grow strong in Him.

Jill