Greetings,

The Epistle reading that we have for this coming Sunday is from the letter of James and when you see what’s been going on with the protests in Melbourne it seems that we might need to be reminded these words – “… let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger …” (James 1:19).

The call to this is not as easy as it seems.  Firstly, when we listen we need to be mindful of listening to the right voices.  Which are the voices that are edifying and helpful?  When it comes to vaccination do we listen to the experts, our doctors, or the voices on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feeds? 

When we have listened well, and spent time reflecting on what we have heard, we may be in the position to speak.  If we are able to speak then we need to be careful of the message that we share.  We need to ask ourselves whether it is appropriate to share – or as the Think Song says is your message Truthful, Helpful, Interesting, Necessary, Kind.

We also need to think about how different people hear.  If our message is encouraging and supportive then we need to share it in a way that people get it … and maybe this isn’t by using words.  Our actions can be an extremely powerful language.

In times when we are feeling tired and vulnerable it is easy to be angry.  We can feel cornered and lash out when we are not in control, and this can lead to more distress and harm.  It is easy to point the finger but we have probably all been there once or twice.

Let us take the time to really listen, and when we hear the voice of God, let us ponder deeply what we are being told before we act.

Blessings – Heather.