My Dear Brothers And Sisters, Take Note Of This; Everyone Should Be Quick To Listen, Slow To Speak And Slow To Become Angry
Take Every Thought Captive
JAMES 1:19-20
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
”James 1:19-20 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/jas.1.19-20.nkj
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We humans are often quick to judge a situation and speak out before knowing all the facts.
We need to understand that what we speak is powerful and results in either, blessings or cures (JAMES 3:10), for, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
We allow our emotions to reject or twist the truth and control our responses, speaking out in haste to find afterwards that we got it all wrong; we have egg on our face and find ourselves trying to apologise for getting it wrong or even for making a false allegations.
Once one has said something, it is impossible to unsay it. No matter how much he or she apologises, the damage is done.
Furthermore, when we talk without listening, we communicate that we think our ideas and opinions are much more important than others.
But James in his wisdom, advices us to reverse the process; to respectfully listen to what others say, and put a mental stop watch on your conversations, keeping track of how much you talk.
To show your interest in others makes them feel valued and respected, which is a wonderful way to win friends and influence people.
Anger is not necessarily wrong, Jesus Himself got angry (see MATHEW 21:12-13), but the anger James talks about, erupts when our ego is bruised. “No one is listening to me,” “My opinions are not being heard,” or name calling because one has no true answers or facts to back up his or her argument.
That is simply “pride,” seen by God as an abomination (PROVERBS 16:5), and is the down fall of many.
We should become angry because of an injustice or sin has occurred, or when someone has been hurt. However, we should not be angry because we failed to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected. Selfish anger helps no one.
But the truth is, the devil is good at whispering into our emotions, that we believe his lies.
He creates pain by speaking it into us, as he torments by reminding us of our past sin and suffering.
He has many evil schemes to bind and crush us believers, but we have authority over all these demonic entities (LUKE 10:17).
Our emotions are nothing more feelings, and cannot help anyone to discern.
The devil stirs up fear, anger, self pity, and torment, to stop us functioning in the Spirit, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
II Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV
When the devil comes to whisper lies into our soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions, we must take those thoughts captive and give them to Jesus to deal with by praying and walking in the Spirit at all times.
Therefore, when the devil comes to tell you how rubbish you are, or to remind you of your sinful past, simply remind him of his dark future.
James said, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
James 4:7-10 NKJV
Submission to God is to come to Him in total surrender with a repentant heart. It is being willing to let go of our old sinful nature and to take on the nature of Christ (ROMANS 13:14).
To rebuke the devil it to call him out and command him to leave, and he shall flee from you.
My beloved, the devil attacks us in the physical realms of this earth, but he is defeated in the spiritual. Therefore, take your battles into God’s garden by praying in the Spirit.
It takes just five smooth stones, that is the five fold ministry of Christ (EPHESIANS 4:11), to watch the giants fall (1 SAMUEL 17:50-53).
My beloved, whatever storm you are facing right now, make your focus Jesus Christ, and don’t allow the noise to distract you from Him, and like Peter, you shall walk upon those stormy waters, putting the devil and his evil schemes under your feet.
But even if the noise gets overwhelming, I encourage you, He shall take your hand and lead you to safety and then calm the storm (MATHEW 14:30-33).
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
