Our scripture this morning is James 1:19-20 (ESV).
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.
I feel this scripture is especially relevant in the world we face today. Having said that, it has been especially relevant in every time since Jesus taught it and James recorded it. Even in the Old Testament we read “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19).
I need to pay attention to verse 20, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Since my retirement, my physical condition has caused me problems – nothing very serious, but I am unable to do things I used to do without thinking. This frustrates me and often it comes out as anger…which does nothing to resolve the situation and doesn’t make me feel better!
Jesus taught us to be receptive and responsive to God’s Word – listening, learning and doing. We are called to bring the Good News to the world, but we must be “in the world, not of it” as He said (John 17:14). We must be ready to listen and perhaps hear things that anger us, but we must respond as He did, with love and charity to be able to understand what angers our brothers and sisters.
Patient God, teach us to listen longer and talk less in order to reach everyone with Your love. May we be calm voices in an angry world. Amen.
