Friday, June 5, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 21-24 | Romans 14

I’ve had more than a few moments where I wish I could take my words back. Quick responses, rushed opinions, or speaking before I fully understood what someone else was trying to say have left me with regrets. It usually came from a good place - wanting to help, meet a need, or fix - but it often left me realizing I hadn’t actually listened.

James 1:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

It’s simple, but not easy. Listening well requires us to slow down and set aside our need to respond, choosing instead to be present.

Over time, I’ve learned that being slow to speak isn’t about staying silent but about making space. Space to understand, to care, and to respond with intention instead of impulse. And more often than not, that space changes everything. It softens conversations, deepens relationships, and reminds people they matter.

This idea of creating space and being present isn’t just important in our relationships with others; it’s just as important in our relationship with God. It’s easy to move through faith on autopilot - saying the words, checking the boxes, rushing through time with him. But a real connection isn’t built in a hurry. It grows when we slow down enough to listen for the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, to notice when God is moving in our lives, and to respond to him with a heart that’s open.

Living fully in our relationships is about loving well and being present with God and with the people he’s placed in our lives. So today, I encourage you to choose to pause, listen a little longer, speak a little more carefully, and respond with patience.

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from how well we listen.

Questions:
When was the last time you truly listened to someone, without planning your response while they were still talking?

How might slowing down your words and thoughts change your relationships with others or with God?

Next Steps:
Set aside time to quietly sit with God. Ask him to speak, and practice simply listening.

Identify one relationship where you can be more intentional about listening and less about responding.

Prayer:
God, help me to slow down and really listen to you and to the people around me. Give me patience to pause before I speak and a heart that seeks to understand more than to be heard. Teach me to love well by being present. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek.