Wisdom Wednesday
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.
James 1:19-20
Have you ever read one of those Christian social media responses that just made you wince? Do you have a friend who just can’t help themselves from commenting on every social issue with an unhelpful quasi-Christian argument?
The recent events in Israel/Gaza is just another case where the average Christian has asked themselves the question - what does it look like to speak? Whether it be online or when a friend asks, what do you think about <insert topic>. It’s a daunting question.
James 1 is helpful in giving us some instruction. We should be quick to listen and slow to speak. We should attempt to understand the issue before speaking to it. We should be wary of anger that is based on a lack of understanding.
Does this mean we should never speak or never be angry? No, Jesus shows us that there is a place for speaking and even for anger where righteousness is concerned. But our goal is to be measured in these things and I think to speak we must have good certainty of what righteousness looks like.
That’s why we begin with listening. To the parties involved and most of all, to God through the Scriptures. Then we are equipped to speak.
For Today:
Pray:
James 1:19-20
Have you ever read one of those Christian social media responses that just made you wince? Do you have a friend who just can’t help themselves from commenting on every social issue with an unhelpful quasi-Christian argument?
The recent events in Israel/Gaza is just another case where the average Christian has asked themselves the question - what does it look like to speak? Whether it be online or when a friend asks, what do you think about <insert topic>. It’s a daunting question.
James 1 is helpful in giving us some instruction. We should be quick to listen and slow to speak. We should attempt to understand the issue before speaking to it. We should be wary of anger that is based on a lack of understanding.
Does this mean we should never speak or never be angry? No, Jesus shows us that there is a place for speaking and even for anger where righteousness is concerned. But our goal is to be measured in these things and I think to speak we must have good certainty of what righteousness looks like.
That’s why we begin with listening. To the parties involved and most of all, to God through the Scriptures. Then we are equipped to speak.
For Today:
- What ‘hot topic’ issue are you hesitant to speak about?
- Are you a good listener?
- How could you grow in understanding of an issue today?
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His patience with us in our sin.
- Give thanks for Christ who is our example of speaking truth in love.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help us to listen and know when to speak.
Posted in Wisdom Wednesday
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