Slow to Judge by David B. Capes

Slow to Judge:  Sometimes It's OK to Listen by David B. Capes is one of those books that just needed to be written.  The main theme of the book is that we as Christians don't need to openly debate everyone we disagree with.  Instead, if we spent more time making the other person feel as though they are being heard, we will make a greater impact with fewer words.  In this day and age, it may not be the popular sentiment, but it is a true one.

I think anyone who reads this book is going to find it a humbling read.  The author tells us that often times we don't listen to others because we have been quick to judge them.  If we judge someone poorly, we don't feel as though they have anything valid to say and we ignore their input.  In turn, the person we've judged harden their heart toward what we have to say because they no longer feel listened to or valued.

In this way, Slow to Judge becomes a relationship book, one that sets out to show us how Jesus expects us to treat one another.  Not only that, but the author's style of writing is insightful and intelligent and even the most literate of us Christians have something new to think about.  I love how the author ends by looking at the thoughts of a Muslim leader and then at the thoughts of C.S. Lewis.  Both sections shined a new light on the ideas and helped flesh out what the reader has just learned.

Overall, I recommend this book to all Christians, and honestly, to anyone that has two ears and one mouth (so the saying goes).  We all need to listen to one another before we ever speak a word ourselves.

I was provided this book free of charge by Thomas Nelson in return for my honest review.