God's Glory Church

“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not destroy the truth of God.” — James 1:19-20

“Where are you going!” – I blurted out when my car was cut off by a truck. I narrowly avoided a collision and suddenly saw a sign on his bumper: “Don’t like the way I drive? Call me!” and phone number. How not to call? After dialing the number, I told the operator everything I thought about what had happened. She wrote down the number of the truck and said wearily, “You know, you can also report those who drive well.”

These words made a breach in my proud self-righteousness. A wave of shame rolled over. Seeking “justice”, I did not think about how my angry tone could affect this woman in her difficult work. The gap between my faith and behavior at that moment seemed enormous to me.

The theme of the correspondence of beliefs and actions is raised by James in his message: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not work the truth of God” (James 1:19-20). And then he adds: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers yourselves, deceiving yourselves” (v. 22).

None of us are perfect. Sometimes our “steering” in life needs adjustment. It begins with confession and prayer for God’s help. Only He can smooth the sharp corners of our character.

Why can words spoken in haste and in anger cause problems? How can you better practice what you believe?

Heavenly Father, sometimes my anger gets the better of me and I say things I shouldn’t. Help me to grow and change spiritually.

Author: Adam Holtz