Anger
Quick, Slow, Slow – Part 2

Scripture Reading: James 3:3-10

Key Verses: 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 that God desires.

Yesterday we covered the first step in our “Anger Management Dance.” It is the only part of the dance where we must become aggressive. It is imperative that we learn to be “quick to listen” to those around us, especially those who tend to “push our buttons” of anger.

The second step in our “dance” is to be slow to speak. It’s a simple step to understand but one of the toughest to accomplish. I hope you will take time to read the “additional reading” I suggested for today. The apostle James uses the illustration of a small bit in a large horse’s mouth to turn that large animal as we wish. James goes on to talk about a rudder on a large ship and how it turns it this way and that. Finally, the apostle reminds us how a small spark can set an entire forest on fire. All these illustrations are referring to and explaining the power of our tongue. The tongue is a small body part, but makes an enormous contribution to our lives – for the good and for the bad!

No one will be able to control their anger until they learn to control their “tongue.” Psychologists no longer believe that “venting,” of any kind, is good for anger management. In fact, most believe that the more we focus on it and express it, the more intense the emotion becomes. The Bible is right – we must be slow to speak! Don’t focus so much on what you’re feeling as you do on what you are allowing to come out of your mouth!

Father, with your help, I will listen more and talk less today. Help me to ‘hold my tongue’ when it wants to run! In Jesus’ Name, amen.