At a Snail's Pace

"19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."               -James 1 (ESV)

James 1:19 tells us to be slow to anger.  I don't know about you, but sometimes anger just pops out of no where.  I didn't see it coming.  It just knocks me over. I'll try to hide it.  I'll allow myself to only be this-much-grumpy.   It's not like I will punch a hole in the wall or anything, but my heart will be riddled with holes of anger, self-righteousness, and self-injustice. My heart will be full of everything that goes against the righteousness of God as it says in verse 20.

A Sumner

I realize that when I am angry, it's usually my pride that has been wounded. I was right.  I told her so. I shouldn't have to do this.  This is his mess. How 'come they didn't applaud me?

If not my pride, then it is my comfort. I don't like this restaurant. I want to watch this TV show instead of having this conversation. I feel awkward around that other guest.



My anger doesn't come out of nowhere.  It comes out of my sinful heart.  Only when I get to the root of my anger can I see it for what it is.  It's no coincidence that James partners being slow to anger with being slow to speak and quick to hear.  Maybe it's not just external - but internal disciplines we need to develop as well... to hear what our hearts are really saying underneath the mumbling of anger... and to be slow to allow those mumbling to come to the surface.  Then we will have time to confess our sin to the Lord, who Himself

...is merciful and gracious,    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. -Psalm 103:8 (ESV)