I’m a partner with Kenneth Copeland Ministries Canada, and every month I’m provided a Believer’s Voice of Victory Magazine. It brightens my day to find the current issue in my mailbox.
It arrived today and first thing I read was the Editor’s Letter which he titled, Let Them Finish, Please!
What Mr. Jordan shared in his article grabbed my attention. He openly admitted that he often cut people off mid-sentence, and offer his own “expert” advice even when it wasn’t requested, and acknowledged that interrupting others is rude and disrespectful. His man showed great humility by publicly acknowledging his fault. A way to apologize to God, and any others he may have inadvertently offended.
Oh my, as I read what he shared about himself, I thought of the expression, “If the shoe fits wear it.” I have to admit I’m guilty of doing the same thing. The Message translation makes Proverbs 18:13 very clear, “Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.” So does The Good News Translation, “Listen before you answer. If you don’t, you are being stupid and insulting.”
Years ago at a workplace meeting, staff members were asked to write anonymously on a piece of paper, the name of a co-worker and something about the person. I unfolded the piece of paper with my name on it, inside was written, Anne-Marie interrupts. Was this comment accurate? Yes, it was. Was I embarrassed? Yes; but not enough to break the habit of interrupting immediately.
The Bible clearly states, people who interrupt are stupid and rude. I don’t want to appear stupid and rude to others. On the contrary, I want people to feel valued and know what they say matters. I certainly appreciate it when people are interested in hearing what I have to say.
What the Editor wrote in his article served to remind me that I have work to do in this area. Like him, I want to learn my lesson and stop interrupting others. I can begin my adhering to what is written in James 1:19: be swift to hear and slow to speak.
Lord, I ask you today to help me in this regard. I want to be a better listener, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
I plan on writing a note to the Editor to let him know how his article and words he shared resonated with me.
We’re never too old to change ourselves for the better. I want to be swift to hear and slow to speak. With God, all things are possible.