Beautiful Word Devotional #322

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

James 1:19–20

Oh, if only we could do what James said here. How many times have we failed to listen to the hearts of our loved ones? How many times have we reacted with anger rather than patience?

As James reminded us here, our anger gets in the way of living a righteous and God-glorifying life. Thankfully, even when we unleash unkind words, God offers abundant grace when we go to him in confession. Then we can choose to go to the one we spoke to angrily and say the most beautiful seven words—I was wrong. Will you forgive me? Today you have a choice. You can be either quick to listen and slow to anger or slow to listen and quick to anger. When someone tries your patience, take a deep breath and ask God to help you listen and let go of anger.

Lord, I want to be a blessing to people I know, so please help me listen rather than react with anger, amen.