Listen 

(James 1:19-20)

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

You were given 2 ears and one mouth for a reason.    

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

“Today someone is going to tell you something deeply personal about their life, fight the urge to tell them your story and just receive theirs.” 

Seek first to understand then to be understood

(James 1:21-22)

21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Get rid of all moral filth

(James 1:23-27)

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Practical Steps

1. Read a proverb every day (31 proverbs, 31 days in a month)

2. Read the Gospels

3. Read the sermon on the mount everyday for 30 days (Matthew 5-7),

4. 365 day Chronological bible reading.

5. Memorize the book of Romans.

6. Join a HomeGroup