James 1:19-20
“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.”
“Know this,” This is important! Know this! This is so applicable today. Our country is becoming more and more divided every day. This passage is addressed to believers in Christ but is relevant for all of humankind when it comes to treating one another with respect. We should take to heart, especially as followers of Jesus, these three important commands as we interact with one another.
- “be quick to hear” Listen more than we talk. Listen. Really hear. Listen with our eyes. Watch body language. And when it comes to hearing from God; “Hear” God speak through His Word and His Spirit. Be attentive to His voice.
- “slow to speak” Again, listen well and long before we speak. Don’t begin trying to solve the problem or forming an argument while someone is still speaking. Wait until you have heard the other person out first and then answer with love and grace.
- “slow to anger” Don’t let our anger rule our tongue or our emotions. “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
“my beloved brothers” indicates family members. Kingdom citizens loving one another in these ways. In community, unity and peace. This is God’s will for us. We are to love Him with everything we are and then to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31) So let us treat one another with respect even when we do not agree on something. This doesn’t mean we compromise God’s Word but we can speak the truth in love instead of anger.
Prayer: Father help me today to treat those around me with respect. Help me to really hear others and You. We have all been created by You and in Your image. Help me to love others as You have loved me. Help me to have patience with others as You do with me. Thank you for creating me, dying for me, and giving me life through your Spirit. I love you. Amen