James 1:19-20‏

"Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry." James 1:19

Ok... "believers", we've not been deceived... we've attributed every perfect gift to God-alone, including our salvation... and now let's lean in real close to God and to His Word... listening very quietly... be slow to take offense, and slow to get angry. Why?

20. "For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]."

You know anger itself is not a sin... but, James showed us the point in our reasoning where thoughts... including angry ones become a sin. And so until you and I have correctly reasoned through that anger, we shouldn't be trying to do anything for the Lord.

Since James is writing to Christians, we shouldn't have to be reminded how NEGATIVELY Christian Anger has served Christianity... in fact, it has served the enemy far too often!

Jesus labeled anger as the root sin behind murder...

"You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire." Matthew 5:21-22.

Christian husbands and fathers... even Church leaders often use angry words and behavior in an attempt to control family, friends and others.

Before Cain committed the first murder in history, God con-fronted him with the question (Gen 4:6), “Why are you angry?” It’s not a bad question to ask yourself when you’re angry. Paul warned that unchecked anger gives the devil a foothold in your life (Ephesians 4:26; 27).

Let's pick up with James verse 1:21 next time.

I love you.