Quick to Listen, Slow to Anger

Anyone else run a little hot when things aren’t going our way? Yeah I know, we’re all imperfect, it’s ok, you can admit it. We all do it. In James we are told;“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”James 1:19-21When faced with difficult situations and people, our natural tendency is to react in anger and to complain. Yet James exhorts us in this passage to keep calm and listen to God’s Word instead of erupting like a volcano. Piece of cake, right?When James tells us to be “quick to listen”, it means being silent before and submissive towards God’s Word. It could also mean seeking godly counsel from others, whose experiences and advice point us towards Scripture.Conversely, James calls us to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. In pressing situations, we can become deaf to God’s Word and prone to sin against God in our hasty and angry response. This is probably why James tells us earlier on in his letter of the need to be joyful in our trials and to endure in steadfastness, because God uses them to sanctify us and bear His fruit in us.Though it may be difficult to understand and obey when undergoing challenging times, God blesses His wisdom upon us when we seek Him and His Word earnestly and sincerely. By reflecting on what God’s Word says, about the purpose of the trials we face, the promises we have in Him when we choose to obey, and His power to carry out these promises, we can act in a manner that produces the righteous character He desires to have in us and steer clear of criticism or complaint.I’m going to continue to try and do better, but God knows I will fail, and it’s ok. He loves me/you just the same...Be Nice. Grace Wins.