Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger

When I was younger, and internet chat rooms were a big thing, I engaged in conversations with people often. I’d converse with Christians in various parts of the world. I would also talk to people who claimed to be non-Christians. I was quick with my responses. I thought I could save the world. I held on to that mentality for a while, and as I’ve grown a little older, I’ve more often had experiences where I begin to type a response and then I delete it. I ask myself, “What’s the point of me saying this? Is it ultimately beneficial or am I just aiming to make my point? Will it be perceived as loving or is it just ‘fighting words’?” So, in asking those kinds of questions, the common response is that I need to delete my words. Thankfully we can do that in our day, right? Yet, once the words are out and people read them, or if you speak them, they’re out. Whereas all our words are to minister grace to the hearers, I’m sure we’ve all had situations where we’ve regretted what we’ve said. Then we have James 1:19-20, which gives us such a basic, helpful command: “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.” What should be the aim of our communication? That people would pursue God and his righteousness. Therefore, since that should be our pursuit, we should be quick to hear and slow to speak. We want to know others. We want to know where their hearts are. We want to be able to apply the Bible wisely and not hastily or sinfully. This is how Jesus communicated. Think of how patient He was with people – how He spoke and asked questions and allowed others to speak. I think of the woman at the well, even; He listened and He spoke to her needs! He’s done this as well with us! He calls us to pray to Him and He hears. This is all of grace. We know we don’t deserve this in and of ourselves, but He’s given us the privilege to know He listens. Therefore, may we (by His grace) emulate His kind of speech. If you’ve trusted Jesus, be quick to listen. Today, and every day, be quick to listen. As you talk to others, be quick to listen. And all of this is so that God’s righteousness would be put on display.