WEEKLY REFLECTION – 2 OCT 23 BY DR TAN TEK SENG
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20
Patience is a virtue that can help us achieve our goals, maintain a more positive outlook on life, and make us less reactive, which in turn will make us less prone to bad decisions.
William Ury is an American author, academic, and a distinguished fellow of the Harvard Negotiation Project. Over the years, he has become known as one of the best negotiators in the world. He has stepped in to settle all kinds of feuds, from disputes between corporate conglomerates to international conflicts in the Middle East. What we can learn from William are the importance of active listening, patience, self-control in promoting understanding, in constructive dialogue and problem-solving.
Today’s Scripture in James 1:19-20 is a lesson for us to prioritise active listening, thoughtful speech, and emotional self-control in our daily interactions. By practicing these principles, we can foster healthier relationships, promote understanding, and align our actions with God’s righteousness.
“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”