Hear Me Out

Why do people say that? "Hear me out." Well, it's because they have been or expect to be interrupted -- to not be heard.

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. (James 1:19)

Why would James write this? Well, probably because he expected people to be slow to hear, swift to speak, and swift to anger. And most of us would have to admit, if we were really honest, that it would be a reasonable expectation.

Back in August Cindy Brandt wrote How I Kissed Evangelism Goodbye for the Huffington Post. Now, I think Cindy missed some important issues. (She uses the term "evangelized" in a way that doesn't fit with any of the definitions I can find -- certainly not in the sense of "preaching the good news" as the term would normally require. She takes issue with "evangelism" meaning the telling of only one story which, as it turns out, is the point of the "good news" ... and that one story is not about you. It's called "the gospel of Jesus Christ" for a reason.) But her primary point is ... listen. And, according to James, she's right on that point.

We are not good listeners. By "we" I don't mean "Christians". I mean "humans". We are, on the whole, much better at talking than listening. We are much faster to speak than to hear. It's not just Christians and it's not just unbelievers; it's people everywhere.

And we, as Christians, are commanded to "be quick to hear" and "slow to speak". Do you see what that does? For those who aren't much concerned about God and His commands, listening is a fine tool that wise people will acquire. For believers (Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey my commandments."), it is a matter of sin to fail to listen more than you speak.

Now, the world can tell you all sorts of good reasons to learn to listen. You can gather information, understand, learn, and even communicate better. All good things. But I would have to think that "God said so" would be another serious motivation for Christians to be known as listeners.