"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
James 1:19-20
James, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us a practical application of how we are to be the light of Christ in this world. When we think of how to be light and salt for the Lord in this world let us consider these verses.
The anger of man does not produce righteousness or turn away wrath. Impatience, anger, and an inability to be responsible provoke conflict. The servant of God who is quick to hear and demonstrates the fruit of the Holy Spirit produces the righteousness of God.
The encouragement to be slow to speak and slow to become angry infers that there will be moments when we will want to speak in hast out of anger. Anger comes from our hearts, and the Spirit of God must temper us. He must help us to be merciful and kind in trying circumstances and with difficult people.
May the Lord season our words with grace. Give us temperance and help us to be light in salt in this world today.
In Christ Alone,
Pastor Wight
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