Delay Your Responses to People’s Talks

“[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” — James 1:19 NIV

When it comes to our relationship with people, James 1:19 nails it right with three key things to do:

Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to become angry

Have you noticed these three things are very critical to helping maintain peace among people? Look at it again.

Suppose a friend speaks harshly against you. Either you’ll be immediately angry or talk back rudely at him. However, does any of these kinds of responses end in peace? Of course not!

When you’re reserved and always focused on enjoying the peace of Christ in you, it’ll be hard for people’s nasty talks to overturn your countenance. And if you know and practice James 1:19 well, people can tell you that you’re not strong. Please, don’t believe that lie.

A strong person in Christ isn’t the one who can fight back when entangled in an argument or a fight. It’s the patient one.

Delay your responses to people’s talks. Have a receiving mindset because that will give you ample time to judge situations carefully, even before speaking out your verdict. Always remember that God wants you to shine out Christ, so bright that a stand-by unbeliever won’t have anything evil to say about you.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to be and remain focused on You and You alone. I refuse to be intimidated by the evil conversations of people around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 019