One minute read.
Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18
Daily Verse: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18
Hasty words harm.
Speaking quickly causes me issues. With each year that passes, I learn to hold my tongue more and more. James gives us explicit directions on how we should respond to people.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20
Applying James’ wisdom to our responses will help us develop healthy, life-giving relationships. Listen quickly instead of speaking. Don’t let anger control you, but rather, control your emotions.
In today’s world, people respond quickly on social media, allowing their emotions to guide them. Whether spoken or written, start implementing time-outs in your response. Count to ten, walk away from the situation, and find a way to stop making quick replies.
Being quick to listen and slow to speak will help you become more like Jesus, building relationships instead of destroying them.
Lord, forgive us for responding in haste and allowing our emotions to control us. As we move through our day, help us become quick to listen and slow to speak. Give us the self-control necessary to respond like Jesus. IJNIP. Amen
