Slow to Anger

Scripture – James 1:16-21: ¹⁶Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. ¹⁹My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ²¹Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) A couple of main things pop out to me here. First, there’s the reminder of the solid rock Christ provides in my life. He does not change “like shifting shadows.” When so much of life is fluid, He is solid. So my feet can stand on firm ground no matter what swirls around me. The second thing that pops for me here is that business about anger. For there are times when it seems like I deserve to be angry. Certain things happen and I want to react in anger – and I still do that from time to time.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will humbly accept the word planted in me. As hard as it can be, I will be quick to listen and slow to become angry. I’ll be careful how I act. I will guard what I say.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know me. You know my passive/aggressive skill. Keep me from acting out my anger in those subtle ways. Continue, please, to guard my mind and my heart with your peace. Be my solid foundation today.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.