Scripture: James 1:19-22
Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness. Therefore, with humility, set aside all moral filth and the growth of wickedness, and welcome the word planted deep inside you—the very word that is able to save you. You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves.
Thought for the Day: Has your defensiveness ever had you speaking before thinking? Whenever we feel attacked and put on the defensive, our reaction is often to enter into a defensive posture and to do whatever is necessary to cast blame elsewhere. We want the spotlight when things go well, but when there is a mistake that has repercussions, suddenly our mouth is in deflection mode. As I read James, the idea of listening is an important theme. Pausing long enough to listen creates the possibility of something other than our own defensive thoughts taking shape. When that silence is coupled with humility, the living word is given space to enter our lives. For most human beings, this is not natural. It takes practice, and might I suggest that we all practice when it is less stressful and chaotic. If we practice in those moments, then we might be able to become those who are “doers of the word” and not those who misrepresent the word in a moment of panic.
Prayer: Let me breathe; let me pause long enough that I can respond to your loving presence, O Lord, and not my own fears; let me have quality time with your living word that gives peace, patience and self-control. Amen.
THEME: Reconciliation
SERMON: Wrestling With The Past
