LOVE FOR ALL – WEEK 45
James 1:19-21
“Hurry, hurry! Quick, get in your car seat so we aren’t late!”
“Slow down on your balance bike so you don’t wreck!”
Quick vs. slow. I’ve been teaching my toddler all about opposites, but as I meditate on God’s Word today I’m realizing I still have a lot to learn about opposites as well.
What are you quick to do? Maybe you’re quick to post your political opinion on social media, quick to “spill the tea” when you learn some juicy gossip, or quick to point out the problems in the world around you. Personally, I’m often quick to blame my husband for misplaced household items, quick to have an emotional response with those I trust, and quick to correct people when I believe they are wrong about something. (I mean, who doesn’t like being right… Am I right?)
What are you slow to do? Maybe you’re slow to take out the trash, slow to be the first to apologize, or slow to fold the laundry pile. Personally, I’m often slow to vacuum my house, slow to put gas in my car (thankfully I have yet to run out of gas entirely), and slow to volunteer for something I don’t want to do.
But here’s the thing, the Bible tells us exactly what we can be quick and slow to do by the power of the Spirit inside of us… Check it out:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1:19-21
Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry.
Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry.
Oops. If I’m honest, I probably fall in the quick to speak and slow to listen category more often than not. I may blame it on not liking awkward silence or my generally talkative personality, but I think my condition runs deeper – my condition is sin. I want to be heard. I want to be right. I want it my way. How about you?
Quick or Slow
Do you feel like you’re living in a peace that passes all understanding? Like even if the world around you isn’t going your way, you choose to listen before spouting opinions?
Or do you feel like you’re living in slow simmer mode… or even juuuuust about to boil over at any given moment? Hint: Your reaction to traffic, social media posts, children, and/or your spouse might be a good indicator.
Jesus, help us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Help us be more like you. Help us to love like you.
As you consider this scripture and reflect this week, respond to the following questions:
1. To whom are you most likely to be quick to speak, quick to become angry, and slow to listen? Is there someone whose forgiveness you need to ask for this week?
2. What would it take for you to lean into God’s peace that passes understanding rather than your own knee-jerk reactions to others?
