Quick to hear, Slow to Speak and Slow to Anger

James 1:19b-27 (Emphasis mine)

19But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

 ²⁰for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

 ²¹Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

 ²²But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

 ²³For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;

 ²⁴for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

 ²⁵But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

 ²⁶If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.

 ²⁷Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I was so challenged by this passage in my quiet time this morning! Thank you, God, for reminding me that controlling my tongue and my anger are ongoing challenges in my life. I must continually check the mirror to see how dirty my face is and that it needs to be washed clean again! Lord, please change me. Renew me. Make me a doer of Your Word! I love that I have more than a religion with you, but a relationship. Abba Father, I am relying on Your strength to help me control my tongue and to help me to be slow to anger with my children. Implant Your Word in my heart and life.