Slow To Anger

 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 righteousness 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. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 

                                                                                                           (James 1:19-26 NIV)

Not many people care to be around bullies for too long. It is not pleasant to be around someone who can become angry at the drop of a hat. They may say they are standing up for what they believe, But, in fact, usually, their outbursts are attempts to justify their (or someone else's) self-centered desires and lifestyles.

James reminds us that "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." (vs 19) Anger does not produce righteousness. It produces unrighteousness. It produces drama, anxiety, and all kinds of other evils. "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." (vs 21)

We, who look to Jesus who is our righteousness, ought to consider the needs of others before we speak or act so that, with the help of God, others may be blessed.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Slow To Speak; Slow To Anger

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 righteousness 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." (James 1:19-21 NIV)

Slow to become angry or never become angry? James does not tell us that we should never become angry. There are times when we should be very displeased (angry) over events. Righteous anger will motivate us to seek a way to help in a bad situation; not make it worse. An example of righteous anger is when we see someone being bullied or assaulted or otherwise pushed down and we step up to befriend and help that person instead of only being angry at the bully. Righteous anger will stir us to help others; not harm anyone.

Anger tends to beget more anger and nothing fruitful comes out of people attacking each other. We ought, as James advises, to be very slow to speak and very slow to become angry. The words of angry lips can be like a sword in battle causing much damage to lives and to relationships. That damage that can be most permanent.

Rather than anger that seems so prevalent in this day; may the Word of God planted in you, fill you with his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Prayers: Curses or Blessings

He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!”  When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys." 2 Kings 2:23-24 NRSV

Listening to people curse usually causes me to feel just a little ill. Hearing God's name used recklessly makes me a little more than anxious. I hear words come out of people's mouths and I wonder if they realize that God is listening. When we desire that someone be harmed and we think or speak it; they are not just harmless words. Every word, whether it is a blessing or a curse, is like a prayer before God.

The story of Elisha cursing the boys and the bears coming to retaliate against them for disrespecting and bullying God's prophet is one of my favorites. This story makes more than a few people uncomfortable to know that God would answer this prayer (curse) in such a devastating fashion. It causes me to wonder if Elisha had any clue that God would respond in such a dramatic fashion or did the curse simply slip from his lips in a moment of anger or fear?

God doesn't normally send bears to protect His prophets. But, there is no doubt that He is with all who serve Him and He listens to their pleas. Be careful then of what words slip through your teeth. It is up to you whether they be the words of a bully, a curse in God's name, or if they be the words of a blessing; God hears it all. Be careful who you curse. Be careful what you pray for.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Pray For Our Leaders

Pray that our leaders might also desire peace among all the people they serve.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."  1 Tim 2:1-2 NIV

Just one more day before election day. Many of us have already voted. It's been a rough election year for both the candidates and the voters. It has been very divisive. There has been a lot of name-calling and bullying from both dominant parties. I have a feeling this will not stop when the election is over. But, those of us who would like to live a little more peaceful and quiet lives pray that it will.

Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, encourages to pray for all people including those in authority for, not just their sake; but, for ours as well. No matter what happens on Election Day, let us pray for all of those who are in the running so that peace may prevail and that's God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

As the elections seems to get nastier each election year, let us also pray that God would bring a sense of civility not just to the candidates; but, to all people so that we might hear a little more debate and a lot less slander that we might make more informed decisions, based on the truth and not slander or lies, in the future.

God's Peace - Pr. J

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14