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Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

 

MESSAGE: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

Date: 5/3/2026

SERIES: Healthy Habits

COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Josh Ramsay

CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Celebrating wins helps propel God’s mission forward and inspire others to join in.

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THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you. 

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BIBLICAL PEACE is a deep, lasting wholeness that comes from being in right relationship with God and living rightly with others. It’s not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of harmony, restoration, and well-being—marked by love, truth, forgiveness, and a commitment to pursue unity and spiritual health in every relationship. 

  1. Think about your family and friends—who stands out as a really good communicator? What do they do differently that makes people feel heard, understood, or valued?

  2. We often think communication is mostly about words, but it’s not. What are some examples of non-verbal communication (like body language, tone, or silence), and what messages do they send to others?

  3. Read James 1:19. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Which part is hardest for you: listening, speaking, or controlling anger? Why?

  4. Read Proverbs 18:13. “Spouting off before listening… is foolish.” Have you ever spoken before really listening? What happened and how did the other person respond?

  5. Read Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, sin is unavoidable…” Do you tend to talk too much or too little? Can you give an example? How can you grow in this area?

  6. Read Matthew 12:36–37. How does that truth change the way you think about what you say? Why do you think our words matter so much to God?

  7. Read Luke 6:45. What do your words reveal about what’s going on in your heart right now? Are there certain words or phrases you use that might be signs something in your heart needs attention or correction? Please elaborate.

  8. Read Proverbs 15:1. Think of a recent conflict. How could a gentle response have changed the outcome?

  9. Read James 1:20. When you feel angry, what helps you slow down and respond appropriately instead of react?

  10. Read Colossians 4:6. What kind of attitude or way of speaking is Paul encouraging here? Why is this skill so important in healthy communication?

  11. From the verse above, what are some simple ways you could live this out in your conversations this week? Think about real moments—at home, at work, or with friends. Where could you slow down, listen more, and speak with kindness?

PRAYER OPTIONS: Practice praying out loud to grow your faith—even if it feels uncomfortable. Try it with people you trust and feel safe with.

  • Share one thing you are thankful for (a praise) and one thing you need prayer for (a request). Then pray together for each other’s requests.

  • Prayer Partnership: What’s on your heart that we can partner with you and bring it to the Lord? 

  • Read and put into practice James 5:13-16. Pray for the sick, praise Him for everything, confess  your sins, pray for physical, spiritual and emotional healing. 

  • Praise Sentences: Short prayers thanking God, then pray for shared needs.

  • Prayer Clusters: Groups of 2–3, share requests, pray together, and encourage each other during the week.

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WHAT SERVE TEAM ARE YOU ON? 

One of the best ways to get connected, meet new people, and grow in your faith is to serve others. There are many ministry areas to choose from—or help create a new serving opportunity.  To explore the possibilities go to canvas.church/serve If you’re already serving on a team and looking for a new challenge, connect with your ministry team lead to explore your next step.

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CANVAS + Looking for some great content to help you grow in your faith? 

Check out Canvas Plus, a totally FREE content streaming platform found exclusively on the Canvas App. 

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CANVAS BIBLE READING PLAN IS UP AND RUNNING

  • Read through the New Testament until the end of the year – 5 days a week, Find it on the Canvas Church app (“Bible Reading Plan”). Listening option available.

  • Read it. Think about it. Live it out.

TALK IT OVER
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