This post is Day 8 in a series of studies about “James”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

James – Day 8

If Christians had obeyed this verse, the world would be a different place today. For too many years believers have sat in churches and listened to theological arguments, when all the time God was saying, Go! Do it! Make disciples! Heal the sick! Cast out demons! Eagerly seek spiritual gifts!

James 1:19-22

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore 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.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

The Thought

These verses send me quickly to my knees in repentance. Too often I am quick to speak and slow to listen, and James has much to say later about the dangers of the tongue. We know don’t we, that things said in anger are not necessarily true, and certainly do not glorify the Lord?

In any disagreement we must train ourselves to listen not only to the other person, but also to the Lord who wants us to use His words to bring peace in every situation. Anger rarely helps resolve conflict, it just causes more.

If Christians throughout the centuries had obeyed the last verse above, the world would be a different place today.

For too many years believers have sat in churches and listened to theological arguments, when all the time God was saying, “Go! Do it! Make disciples! Heal the sick! Cast out demons! Eagerly seek spiritual gifts!”

I know that many have done much, but too often we have formed committees and organisations, and talked about needs, and discussed theology. Let us get up and do what God has always been calling His church to do; greater things than Jesus did. (John 14:12) What is He asking you to do today?

Action

Pray and ask Jesus what He expects of you today.

Praise Him for His patience with the disobedient church. Praise Him for the challenges in His Word.

Pray for a right response in your heart today.

Also, pray for yourself to hear Him better. Pray for peace for anyone you know who has a problem with anger.

Praise God that He is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).