Daily Bible Reading – 10.18.2021
James 1:19-21, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
In developing good relationships, we come to the third point. We have already discovered that a strong foundation must be built on good listening skills and using life-giving words. If we are slow to listen and quick to speak, then we do not value others in a way that will create a positive environment for relationships to flourish.
As we are to be slow to speak so we are to be slow to become angry. That is easier said than done in many circumstances. Slow to become angry means to be slow to express it. When we are impulsive, it may reveal something deeper is going on inside.
We may have an unresolved hurt from the past, major frustrations in the present, or some fear of the future. So, when we sense ourselves becoming angry, we should consider the source of our anger.
Have you ever noticed there are times when you become angry with other drivers who are driving too slowly and then there are times it does not bother you? Why is that? For me, it is when I am rushed, in a hurry, and frustrated that I am not getting where I need to be on time. But that same scenario could play out when I am relaxed, not in a hurry, and I am totally chilled, and do not feel a need to express my angry frustration.
The emotion of anger is a secondary response to a deeper need. Various life experiences and events can trigger such anger to become uncorked unexpectedly on someone else. The slow driver is my excuse and outlet for anger, not the core cause.
Questions to Consider:
What is a trigger for you to express your anger? Do you ask, “Why am I responding this way?”
Weekly Memory Verse:
James 1:19-20, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.