James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
James gives very practical advice in this verse. Most modern Bible translations note a change in topic here and use headings like “Hearing and Doing the Word” (ESV), “Listening and Doing” (NIV). How many times do we get in trouble because of opening our mouths without thinking first? Responding to a threat, however that is defined or perceived, is our natural and first response. A threat may be anything that causes us discomfort. It can be something someone says to us or does to us. It can be when something does not work or go our way. I have had many frustrations working on my various car, computer, or building projects. Should I yell and throw the wrench across the room? I have been tempted to do that. And sometimes we feel threatened in our relationships and interactions with others. How do we react when we are stressed? When we feel like the world is crashing in on us? Even quiet people like me struggle to keep our mouths shut when something negative comes our way.
When anger comes, and it can come in an instant and without our intention, pause. Take a deep breath. Stop. Ponder. Consider. Think through your response. Do not answer right away. React in a way that will not harm you or anyone or anything around you. Find a safe word to scream, and not God’s name or a bad or vulgar word. Reacting in anger or frustration can become a habit. Uncontrolled anger can change us so that we begin to take it out on the people around us. Even godly believers can descend in their relationships to others by lashing out in anger because they have let this become part of their life. We must seek God’s help and begin to form new habits that are fueled by love, not anger or resentment.
For older posts, click here.