The Upper Room Daily Devotional 21st April 2023
The Upper Room 21st April 2023 Daily Devotional, Friday Message by Elizabeth Erlandson (Nebraska, USA)
TOPIC: A Good Listener
TODAY’S READING
James 1:19-27
KEY VERSE: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19 (NIV)
My husband was in the hospital recovering from emergency open-heart surgery. I had spent several days sitting by his side, first keeping vigil, then keeping him company. One afternoon, desperately in need of respite, I drove to a nearby mall and wandered through the shops.
When I went into my favorite clothing store, the clerk who helped me was new. We were strangers, but within minutes I was sharing my story. She listened intently and with great empathy. When I left the store, I felt better. Since then, I have often stopped by the store to say hello and visit for a few minutes.
We live in a hurried world where listening with compassion and understanding is rare. James 1:19 reminds us to be quick to listen and slow to anger. Listening well is a difficult discipline to cultivate, but it is worth the effort. In a noisy and distracted world, finding someone who cares enough to pause and acknowledge our feelings is priceless. Perhaps by becoming good listeners we will encourage others to come back and hear what God says to them through us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, open our ears so that we may hear your voice. Teach us by your Spirit to truly listen to others. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will listen to others with patience and empathy.
PRAYER FOCUS
Retail workers
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More From Elizabeth Erlandson
The Upper Room 21st April 2023, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
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