A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:19-21 NASB2020
James gives more great advice, and all of it helps our witness to others. How often are we quick with a bad word a bad action or bad thought when someone cuts us off on the highway. How often are we thinking about what we are going to say when we are talking to another person.
How do we change our habits of being quick to speak, slow to listen and quick to anger? James answers that also. He explains “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”
We must fill ourselves with God things that are good and pleasing to Him. Read and meditate on His Holy word, rely on the Holy Spirit which is within us and pray unceasingly. These are the actions that will help us to be slow to anger, quick to listen and slow to speak. The apostle Paul writes these words to the church at Thessolonica and Philippi; “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 NASB2020
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:6-8 NASB2020
Study and meditate on His word, pray for peace and understanding and seek Him always and He is faithful and just! That is how He will help change the attitude of our hearts.
Lord, we thank and praise you for your incredible loving kindness. Thank you for your perfect gift of the forgiveness of sins. Help us to be more like you. Help us to seek you and follow your words so that you can change our hard hearts. Help us to follow you with the purpose of honoring and glorifying you always. We pray all these things in Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom, Shalom blessings! Press in and Press On!