Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
19 “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Your anger can never make things right in GOD’s sight. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message GOD has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.” ~ James 1:19-21
When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas, or that what is going on in our lives is much more important than theirs. James wisely advises us to reverse this process. Put a mental stopwatch on your conversations and keep track of how much you talk and how much you listen. When people talk with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value? Do you hear them when they speak, better yet, do they get the opportunity to speak?
James speaks of anger that erupts when our ego is bruised; “I am hurt;” “My opinions are not being heard.” When Injustice and sin occur, we should become angry because others are being hurt. But we should not become angry when we fail to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected. Selfish anger never helps anyone. James goes on to advise us to get rid of all that is wrong in our life and “humbly accept” the salvation message we have received, because it alone can save us.
LORD, help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. So many times, in our hurried lives, we forget to listen to those who are most important in our lives. Help us to be better listeners, get rid of all that is wrong in our lives and humbly accept the salvation message we have received knowing that this alone can save us.
Photo: Durango (Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
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