“Quick to Listen, Quick to Compassion” by Pastor Scott Peterson

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

“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

 

Slow to speak, Quick to compassion

Let me be slow with aimless words and quick to active compassion: “If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” –1 John 3:17-18

For my black family and friends, I am so sorry for all of the hatred, racism, violence, suffering & injustice that is thrust and forced on you. I will be slow to speak and quick to listen to your anger and your pain. Please call, come in or let me meet with you to listen to your anger, hurt & pain and teach me how I can demonstrate acts of love and compassion to you and your community. Heal, protect & restore Lord.

For my friends who dress in blue, I am so sorry for the violence, hate & abuse thrown at you for the actions of a few.  Please let me know how I can pray for you and listen to your heart and thank you for continuing to protect and serve.  Protect and guide them Lord.

For my white family and friends, I am sorry for the “shame on you” that is spoken so quickly when you don’t know what to say or do. Please join with me to listen with humility and to act in compassion as we look for ways to “turn away from evil and do good, for we must seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11).

For my pastor & chaplain associates who serve in the city, I am sorry for the extra burden that you are carrying today and I pray Psalm 55:22 for you by name, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit or let the righteous to be shaken or moved.” Sustain them Lord.

For my brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus, let the peace of our Lord Jesus rule in our hearts as we seek to fulfill the call to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8b)

Father, God of love, mercy and justice, let my words be few and my love be true and let my heart be broken by the things that break Your heart too…

 

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” –Psalm 34:17-18