“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteous life God desires.” James 1:19-20.
It’s no secret that sudden, difficult, life-altering circumstances provide ample opportunity for one’s character to be tested and strengthened. Throughout the last two months, there have been good days and hard days, ups and downs.
This verse in James has come to my mind frequently during the current pandemic and stay at home order.
I have had days where frustration, disappointment and impatience have gotten the best of me and I reacted poorly.
This verse in James is so counter-intuitive to human nature. The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit in this fallen world is REAL and HARD (Galatians 5:17).
Be quick to listen? What?
Be slow to speak? Why?
Be slow to become angry? How?
These have been my knee jerk reaction on the hard days.
However, I’m thankful for God’s mercies being new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23), for his forgiveness and unconditional love. This verse has become a prayer for me and I am depending on the Holy Spirit to help me overcome the sinful, selfish nature by relying on Him to enable me to react in a Christ-like manner.
I’m being reminded through this trial that God is faithful. He is continuing the good work in me that He has started and will bring to completion (Phillipians 1:6). Thank you, loving Father.
Blessings to you,
Melissa
Amen! God is always Faithful!
This is a good verse to go to regularly, so hard to do consistently. Thank God for His grace and help. Thank you for your words of encouragement.