(The following is the November 2 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read James 1 and pay close attention to verses 19-20.)
How often have you failed to listen to others adequately? When have you spoken in anger and later regretted it? Our failure to listen well and our inclination to talk too quickly or angrily worsen situations.
James gives Spirit-inspired wisdom regarding listening, speaking, and anger: “My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness” (vv. 19-20). Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth, and he expects us to use them in that proportion.” Both James and the old saying contain helpful guidance.
Consider each part of James’ statement:
“Everyone should be quick to listen.” We have much to learn from others, but we only do so if we listen to them.
“Slow to speak.” Thoughts are best formed over time and not blurted out when they first come to mind. There is another saying, “Better to remain quiet and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
“Slow to anger.” Few emotions get us into trouble more quickly than anger. There is such a thing as righteous anger, but that isn’t what James is writing about here.
“For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” This is the point. We exist to glorify God, and sinful human anger never accomplishes that goal.
As God grows the fruit of the Spirit in us, may we find ourselves conforming to James’ words about listening, speaking, and anger.
Next Step:
Reflect on times you failed to listen to others, spoke too much or too soon, or quickly got angry. Confess those to God and, if possible, to those offended. What can you do to heal a relationship that suffered from your behavior?
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