ARGUE AND COMPLAIN LESS; LISTEN AND WAIT MORE
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20, ESV
Theme: When the emotion you're managing is anger, slow down before reacting.
ARGUMENTATIVE
When I was in high school, I announced to my family that I wanted to be a lawyer – they were not surprised. As a teenager, I found myself invigorated by a debate, quick to provide a response, and ready with an answer. My dad joked about my future profession. He was sure I would annihilate the opposition, if not by my good logic, then by my volume and enthusiasm.
In retrospect, I can see that my argumentative nature was not all beneficial; in fact, it was often hurtful. I still have to remember to temper my tendency to argue. Holding back some thoughts from verbalization is necessary as I strive towards holiness. I need to slow down before I react. If I feel myself getting agitated, I am learning to let that be a signal to listen, take more time, and maybe, don’t say anything.
“HE NEVER COMPLAINS”
Recently I attended a funeral for our friend Bob Austin. He worked faithfully for The Cove Church in the IT department for about 20 years before retiring. He fixed our computers, dealt with technology issues, glitches, system changes, and (I am sure) frustrations. At his funeral, multiple people recounted his uncanny ability to remain positive and never complain. This made me think back to the many times I brought him broken equipment, a malfunction, or an access issue. He made me laugh, he lightened the mood, he rolled around in his office chair just like my kids do... but I can’t remember one complaint. Not one.
His family agreed. They saw him in private. He was consistently quick to listen and slow to anger, and while everyone saw it, I never heard anyone say it out loud until he was gone. I had figured he just liked me and I wasn’t an inconvenience. Maybe that’s true; however, I think it is more likely that he chose to see everyone that way. Could it be that everyone was someone he liked? That he didn’t consider anyone inconvenient? Bob learned to be like Jesus in this quiet, nearly invisible, yet profound way.
Make It Personal: Which better describes your natural inclination – a good listener, a skilled debater, or a cheerful helper? Which do you think might describe Jesus and why? How might we allow people to feel as if they are not an inconvenience to us, even in difficult situations?
Pray: Lord, I thank You for Your Word and the way it instructs me to love well. Help me to see the times that my own shortcomings hurt people and my next right steps towards loving other more like Jesus did. Help me listen. Thank You for allowing me to grow and change throughout my life. You are so patient with me. Help me to see people as You do: as valuable, not inconvenient, and worth my time. Help me to be a cheerful helper and not to complain. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: James 1:21-22; Matthew 15:10-20
Weekly Memory Verse: “Be angry and do not sin;” Ephesians 4:26a, ESV