Introduction.
Have you ever found yourself talking too much? I know I have. I think most of us are aware the Bible admonishes to be quick to listen and slow to speak. But let's face it, some of us (like me) need help.
In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it is essential to be both watchful and prayerful. The Bible says, “men should watch as well as pray.” This means striving to keep and preserve a quiet nature, while simultaneously having a praying spirit. In this Blog, we’re going to delve into the significance and benefits of maintaining a quiet spirit.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 1:19 NIV
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36 NIV
What is a Quiet Spirit?
We’ve often seen someone who appears to talk all the time. She seems to talk often and nonstop. That person has a talkative spirit. In contrast, the person with a quiet spirit is just the opposite. Some people with a quiet spirit often have these kinds of characteristics:
- Only speak when necessary.
- Quick to listen.
- Calm, composed and peaceful.
- Won’t resolve disputes until the whole matter has been heard.
- Slow to anger, emotional outbursts and taking sides. See Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 16:32
Why is a Quiet Spirit Important to God?
God is omniscient, all knowing, and He understands what it takes for us to walk in wisdom and have a life of peace, unity, trust and true love. God knows that maintaining a quiet spirit means we get to operate better in discernment. While people are talking to us, we are hearing that person and also listening out for what God is saying to us. Being quiet can make us more sensitive to the leading and warnings of the Holy Spirit. Here are some reasons why it's important to God, along with Scripture References.
- Let it not be the outward adorning, but a meek and gentle spirit. 1 Peter 3:3, 4
- Let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
- Exhibits wisdom. The Bible says, Even a fool is considered wise when he holds his peace. Proverbs 17:28
- It works in harmony with many of the attributes listed in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 to 23.
Benefits of Being Quick to Hear and Slow to Speak.
There could be hundreds of benefits to having and living out the spirit of quietness. So many thoughts come to mind when I think of a quiet spirit. Some examples are: being a peacemaker, a progenitor of unity, gentleness, humbleness of mind and actions, etc. However, in this Blog, we’ll focus on the following qualities:
1. Can hear God’s voice and the feel the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit.
2. Better understand challenges in life.
3. Undergird and comfort those who are struggling with difficulties.
4. Less chance to sin. The more you talk, the bigger the possibility of saying the wrong thing. In the multitude of words, sin is not absent.
5. In many instances, a quiet nature means a calmer spirit.
Prayer for a Quiet Spirit:
Lord God Almighty,
We praise You for being our God. We are so grateful that you love and care about us. It is your desire that we walk and live in peace and harmony with you and our fellow man. That means maintaining a quiet spirit.
Help us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Cause us to hear your voice and know with certainty when it’s You speaking. Don’t allow us to be led into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. Our desire is to walk in the truth of your Word and please You in all our ways. Bless us with a quiet spirit and a life of obedience and surrender to You. We praise You for this and all your blessings.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Conclusion.
The Bible warns us to listen quickly and speak slowly. Being vigilant and praying are essential in our lives more than ever. We need to be aware of exercising the art of listening whenever we interact with people, whether family, friends or new acquaintances. This involves making an effort to have a calm demeanor while still maintaining a spirit of prayer.
Blessings,
Tanda
Attribution:
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