A teenage girl might get several different answers if she asks her family, “Has anyone seen my new sweater?”

Her father: “You mean the one that cost thirty dollars?”

Her sister: “You mean the one you won’t let me borrow?”

Her brother: “You mean the stupid one that makes you look fat?”

Her grandmother: “You mean the one with the low neckline?”

Her mother: “You mean the one that has to be washed by hand in cold water?”

Everyone was talking about the same sweater, but they all had different perspectives. So it is with most topics of conversation. Therefore, we need to listen to other people’s viewpoints before offering our own.

“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.