“Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
James 1:19-20
As my family gathered for a holiday celebration, a careless remark was made at the table, and the fire of conflict quickly ignited. Wounds from the past were reopened; out of the hurt, anger flared. Does this sound familiar?
Sin lurks just outside the door of our reactions in times like this. How easy it is to justify ourselves and see the wrong in others. We can become addicted to our own sense of rightness. Each of us is responsible for ourselves and must decide whether to allow sin to rule or to submit to the Lord. If we remember who we are in Christ, genuine conviction and repentance are possible.
With maturity, we realize that many of the everyday conflicts which interrupt our days are not worth hanging on to. For the sake of peace and unity, we can let them go. “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? … But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:7, 11). He’ll meet you on the path of forgiveness and grace.
Sin lurks just outside the door of our reactions in times like this. How easy it is to justify ourselves and see the wrong in others. We can become addicted to our own sense of rightness. Each of us is responsible for ourselves and must decide whether to allow sin to rule or to submit to the Lord. If we remember who we are in Christ, genuine conviction and repentance are possible.
With maturity, we realize that many of the everyday conflicts which interrupt our days are not worth hanging on to. For the sake of peace and unity, we can let them go. “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? … But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:7, 11). He’ll meet you on the path of forgiveness and grace.
Scripture Focus
James 1:19-25
Insight
“Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwillis found among the upright.” (Proverbs 14:9)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 11-13
- Psalm 77
- John 18
