So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 (NKJV)
Be swift to hear what? What have you been hearing lately? Where are you getting your information from? Who and what are you listening to?
With so much war and conflict in our world today, we are often too quick to voice our opinion even when poorly informed. In a world where uncontrolled and unregulated messages or information circulates on various social media platforms, we need to be circumspect in whom we are listening to and be circumspect in what we are hearing.
The Church unfortunately is not immune or spared from these conflicts and can sometimes be in the thick of it. The Church gets caught up in differences in doctrines, denominationalism or sectarianism, worship styles, etc.
When issues of differences arise among Christians, each side should be willing to hear the other. We should not be too quick to speak or defend our actions rather, we should allow for dialogue and reconciliation and, when we do speak, there should be nothing of wrath or anger; for a soft answer turns away wrath.
When someone wrongs us, our first or natural reaction is to retaliate, at least verbally. As children of God, we must be careful as this response will not necessarily be how God would expect us to handle or deal with the situation. We should remember that “A soft answer turns away wrath or anger”.
Wrath is a human thing, and the wrath of man stands opposed to the righteousness of God.
So, as you remember that colleague who is always on your case, or that neighbour who just doesn’t like you or that family member who has wronged you, or the disagreement you have with a church member, be swift to hear what the Spirit of God says about them and the situation and choose to be led and be directed by the Holy Spirit alone.
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay”, says the Lord”. Romans 12:17-19 (NKJV)
The word of God is a sure and solid foundation for all times, all seasons, all situations, and all circumstances. The entirety of God’s word is truth so let us be swift to hear and allow the word of God and His Holy Spirit to be our guide when we deal with one another.
Stay blessed,
Alex
Hills and Valleys 