“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

A really good way to share your faith is to be quiet and listen to people. Be a listening presence to those who are suffering.

Many people talk way too much. I’m in that group. I do it, too. When people are suffering, they don’t need answers, they don’t need counseling, they don’t need advice. They need you just to be there to give them a cup of tea, sit next to them, and say nothing.

There is something incredibly powerful about simply being a quiet, listening presence. Ask questions, but don’t try to give answers. You can’t heal broken hearts. Only Jesus can. But you can be a healing presence by being quiet and listening, and that’s a good thing.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I want to share my faith with others. May your peace in my heart help me to help others by just being quiet and listening. I know you’ll do the rest. Amen.

REFLECTION: When you’re quiet and just listen to someone in distress, what happens?