Be Doers

Of The Word

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.

James 1:19-24

We all have stories to tell about circumstances that have shown us our need to listen before we speak. We are naturally tempted to come to quick judgments and react angrily. The book of James gives us a step by step procedure to follow: We should listen, we should be slow to speak out, and we should be slow to anger. If you skip any of those three, you will be sorry for your actions.

In life’s stresses, be “doers of the Word,” and take the time to listen and show restraint with your words and anger today.

Listen to understand, then speak with love.

Our Daily Bread – March 27, 2009