Slow Down! (Christian Encouragement)

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19 NLT

I don't know about you, but this verse hit me right between the eyes. I talk sometimes when I should be listening. My fuse is very short and I can get upset very easily.

It takes work to be an intentional listener. You have to give the speaker your full attention. Even when you are extremely upset, you should be ready to listen to the other side of the story. Don't interrupt with your opinions. Wait until it is your turn to be heard.

Don't say anything when you are really mad. Something may come out that you will regret and have to repent for later. Take a step back from the situation, take a walk, go for a drive, etc. Come back and talk over a solution when you have had a chance to calm down. Count to ten or twenty (or two hundred, LOL) before you give a reply. Taking a step back mentally or removing yourself physically, for a short while, will help you be slow to speak.

According to James, we also are to be slow to anger. This is a tough one. If you rub a cat the wrong way, you may get scratched. Some people are the same way. When someone is angry, they want to see you get upset as well. When you react to anger with love and kindness, it really throws people for a loop.

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

Instead of lashing out at someone, answer them softly. Harsh words will only keep the argument going. It really makes a difference when you can calmly have a discussion, instead of a full blown argument.

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." Proverbs 14:29

When you are able to have self-control over your anger, it will make a difference in your relationships with other people. It also makes you wise.

"A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." Proverbs 15:18

When two tempers meet, there are going to be fireworks. Feelings will be hurt. If you are slow to anger, you can actually de-escalate the situation.

"...for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:20

When we are speaking out of our own anger, we are not producing the good works of God. We must think of this verse when we are on the verge of losing our temper. Stop and think, "Am I pleasing God right now?" Just being more aware of His presence in our life will help us to have more self-control.

I know that we are human and things happen that upset us. We can control the way we react to situations. Ask God to help you and guide you in every situation that arises. The Holy Spirit in your life will produce fruit pleasing to God. He knows our weaknesses and yet he constantly offers us love and forgiveness. We should offer this same love and forgiveness to everyone we come in contact with.

Slow down child of God!