The verse I’m least qualified to teach on…

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” (James 1:19)

Oh to be more like this bible verse! What would it be like, to have open ears that hear the other person’s words, a mouth that doesn’t run before the other person is finished talking? To be patient and not quick tempered or easily frustrated? To be self-controlled, not impulsive? If more of us knew and lived by this advice, what would the world be like?

Oh for grace to be such. Lord, grant me ears to hear, a patient, disciplined tongue, and a peaceful spirit that isn’t easily angered, and self control! May your strength be made perfect in me and my weakness today. Strengthen me to walk in the spirit and not the flesh. Show me what it means to come and be crucified with Christ. Let it be not I who lives, but Christ in me. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.