“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19–20 NLT)
I read this verse the other night when I had my red light (check out the devo from 2 days ago to see what I’m talking about)…see I know that when I fall back like this I MUST start searching scripture to help me focus. Talking with God and reading the word are truly the only things that help me re-focus.
Anyway, in my anger of being hurt, I saw this verse. I knew I had a right to be angry because of the words he chose to use. Even if he didn’t mean it – he said it.
And even though I was “working it out” with God, I kept trying to justify my anger. I was making a mental list of sorts of the wrongs. And years ago I could have done this for a long time – I mean looooonnnnngggg time. I could harbor bitterness and resentment with the best of them. Then I started attending Celebrate Recovery and working the steps. And I realized it was just so unhealthy. In reality, my anger just adding to the sin of the situation.
This verse reminds me that I must be quick to listen – not quick to anger. Yup – I messed this one up. Instead of taking the situation and being slow about my emotional reaction (and don’t trust emotions – they often lie)..I was quick to jump on the angry train and barrel through town.
Eventually I forgave with my heart, but this verse is such a great reminder that in EVERYTHING I do – I want it to produce the righteousness that God desires of and for me.