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. (NIV)

I hope you are enjoying the book The Party Crasher and the series as much as I am. I have never read a political book before in my life, so I was a bit skeptical, but I have found it to be an easy read, very timely, and very practical. The political commandments we are addressing today are about being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. That sounds so simple, doesn’t it? We know it’s not that easy. Many things can make us angry almost daily. Slow people in front of me in traffic or in the grocery store show me just how impatient I can be.  

‍

The author makes some great points on how to be a humble learner. Humility keeps the anger from coming to the surface and taking over.

• Open with an honest confession.

• Use questions rather than accusations.

• Speak the truth in love.

• Use God-honoring speech.

• Grant forgiveness.

• Make things right.

Not an easy list but challenging prompts to pray about and put into practice.

When we get angry, it clouds our judgment and can cause us to lash out and speak without thinking. Instead, James invites us to slow down and think before opening our mouth. Anger can be so destructive and can prohibit us from having healthy, productive conversations that allow us to reflect Jesus’ love.  

‍

It takes humility to listen and consider the opinions of others. We often want to be right and make sure our point gets across, but that does not always go the way we think it will. Jesus is the best example of humility and speaking truth with grace. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. That thought goes against so much in today’s world, but James reminds us that such is the way of Jesus.

Dear Lord, help me to be a humble follower and consider others and their ideas and thoughts above my own. Help me not to just listen to your Word but to do it. Help me to do my part to live at peace with everyone, especially other believers. I want to be a peacemaker and a light in this dark world. I can’t do it without your help. In the name of Jesus, Amen.