No. 363 - Living in Peace: Resisting Outbursts of Wrath

The Call to Spiritual Holiness

Living in Peace: Resisting Outbursts of Wrath

James 1:19-20

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." 

Prayer 

Dear Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger. Teach me to respond with grace and patience, avoiding outbursts that disrupt peace and hinder Your righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background 

James 1 addresses how believers should respond to trials and temptations. In verses 19 and 20, James gives practical advice for living a life that honours God. He advises believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James explains that human anger does not lead to the righteousness that God desires. This advice is crucial for living in harmony with others and reflecting God's character in our actions.

Be Encouraged 

Managing our temper can be challenging, especially in stressful situations. For example, if someone cuts you off in traffic, it can be easy to react with anger. However, by practising patience and taking a moment to calm down, we can choose a response that reflects God's love and peace rather than reacting in wrath. This approach not only preserves peace but also demonstrates our commitment to living according to God's standards.

Application 

In Proverbs 15:1, we read, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse reminds us that our responses can either calm or escalate a situation. Imagine a scenario where a disagreement at work could easily turn heated. By choosing gentle words and maintaining a calm demeanour, you can help resolve the conflict peacefully and effectively.

Another relevant verse is Ephesians 4:26, which says, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” This teaches us to address our anger promptly and constructively. Consider a situation where a family member has upset you. Instead of harbouring resentment, address the issue calmly and resolve it before it escalates.

Invitation 

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, I encourage you to visit a nearby Church of Christ. There, you will be guided on how to obey the gospel of Christ through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you can learn more about God and live out Christ’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Embrace this call to spiritual holiness, and let today’s message guide your actions. Share this message with others who need to hear it and encourage them to follow Christ as well.

Concluding Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me how to manage my anger and live in peace. Help me to apply this lesson in my daily life and to respond with patience and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Embrace the Experience 

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Furthermore, you can immerse yourself in a wealth of past posts by visiting https://christiandailymeditation.blogspot.com/.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

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