As the storms of division rage ever more violently across society, do you ever feel that everyone’s talking but no one’s listening? And, let’s be honest, have you ever found yourself doing the very same thing? Sometimes, the only reason we shut up is to think of what to say next, not to listen, not to try to understand what the other person’s saying. Guilty as charged, eh?

Jane Addams was a pioneer of social reform and peacebuilding in Chicago during the late 19th and early 20th centuries – building bridges between the wealthy and the poor. At a time of intense labour unrest and class conflict, she chose not to take sides immediately. Instead, she sat with both industrial workers and wealthy business leaders, listening intently, even when both sides distrusted her.

She believed that deep, genuine listening could break cycles of violence and resentment. Though she couldn’t stop all the violence, her approach brought healing and lasting change in local communities. She became a peacemaker by being slow to speak and quick to listen, helping people feel seen, heard, and human.

James 1:19-20 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. (NRSV)

It’s not rocket science, is it? As clinical psychologist and author, Dr Henry Cloud points out, so many conflicts go away when someone feels heard. Which is why listening can calm the storm before it even begins.

Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger … because no amount of anger will ever give you the right result.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.