"Slowed Reactions"

By Zach Wood

James 1:19-20

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about

the righteous life God desires.

 

 

How often do you find yourself regretting what you have said to someone only seconds after you "blow it"?  As human beings, we deal with emotions every single day.  Sometimes, we have good days and we could not be happier.  However, other days, we often react with anger to anyone who comes in contact with us any way.  Even though each one of us experiences these bad times of reactions, God still loves each one of us and deeply cares for us.

 

 

Have you found yourself reacting quickly toward your kids with anger lately?

 

Have you reacted negatively quickly toward your spouse instead of taking the time to listen? 

 

Have you reacted angrily quickly toward a co-worker only to realize there was a simple answer to begin with?

 

Have you reacted quickly toward someone lately who tried to explain a situation that looked awkward at first?

 

 

 

These situations have probably happened to all of us at one point in time.  Maybe some of us more than others.  This passage is powerful in that we all need to fight the human tendency to react without thinking first.  It is very hard for most of us, but when we take the time to spend praying for strength and perseverance, God gives us more ability to think before we react. 

 

I am so moved by this passage because it comes right under the heading "Listening and Doing".  If you are anything like me, you tend to over react to the smallest things that happen.  You hate it, but it happens over and over again.  Does that describe you?  If so, God does promise to give strength when we cannot handle things. 

 

I pray and hope this devotional gives you a simple reminder that we need to strive to react slower to things happening around us.  This is not to say we do not have the right to become angry and frustrated, but simply that some things need to be thought through and prayed through more before we react.   Many times, quick, angry reactions just leads to us jumping to conclusions that might not be true. 

 

Let us strive to take the time to listen when situations arise instead of reacting and hurting our witness for Christ.  Christ calls us to respond in love and understanding.  There is a reason James says that we need to be quick to listen before we react with words and anger.  God provides the strength and ability if we simply ask Him to help us.