December 5
James 1:19-21
December 5
“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. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:19-21
FOR YOU
Freshman year of college I distinctly remember Mark driving me back to campus one Sunday morning after church. He got very somber and then proceeded to tell me that he needed to apologize to me. He confessed to me how he was not a good listener and wanted to do a better job listening to me. I remember being both offended and taken aback by this confession- offended because how dare he not listen to all the wonderful things I say and taken aback because he sure did a good job acting like he was listening…
I am reminded of this encounter as we look at our scripture for today. We are called, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to be:
1. Quick to hear
2. Slow to speak
3. Slow to anger
Mark and I have different struggles in this regard. I am still quick to speak, and the jury is still out as to whether Mark is quick to hear all my many, many thoughts. What I do know is that my tongue and my impatience are cause for plenty of the actions I regret on a daily basis. I can also appreciate the direct and practical commands of these verses, all of which are given so that we may live out the Great Commission more fully. While these commands are clear, it does not make them easy to implement. I was listening to a podcast recently where the speaker was discussing her tendency to have a harsh tongue with her husband. Before she criticized, she would pray, “Lord, should I say this?” Then pause and take a beat before speaking. The Holy Spirit nudges us at times to speak or to remain silent, and we (I) would do well to listen to his guide rather than follow our gut reactions.
FOR YALL
As we gather… When was the last time you became really angry?
What do these 3 commands from Paul mean?
Quick to hear / Slow to speak/ Slow to anger
Which of the above is easiest for you? Most challenging?
How can you lean on the Holy Spirit to obey the commands above?
Practically speaking, what does it look like to put away wickedness?
Lord, we confess that we are quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Equip us to throw away wickedness and have your Word dwell fully in us. Amen
Anne
Pictured above is a pre-Iron Bowl spirit sign commissioned by a young Rector. I cannot say behavior during the game would have been up to James’ commands…