3rd. July. 2020. Daily Devotion.

Listening and doing

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:19-25

The Greek writer Plutarch observed that ”nature has given to each of us two ears and one tongue, because we ought to do less talking than listening.“ In the text above, James seems to be telling us to be quick to listen to the Word during times of adversity before we react with careless words or anger.

We are constantly reinforcing and serving either good or bad habits. It is easy to slip into the bad habit of responding to circumstances before pausing to consider the biblical principles that relate to them. When this happens, we will tend to speak too quickly and react with anger because we are not viewing our situation in the proper light. Also, “because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (Jas. 1:20).

For this reason, James tells us that it is imperative that we form the habit of listening also to the Word with a will to obey it before responding to our circumstances in speech or action. This is sound wisdom for all our relationships:

• He who answers before listening–that is his folly and his shame (Prov. 18:13).
• A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of under- standing is even- tempered (Prov. 17:27).
• Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue (Prov. 17:28).
• Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him (Prov. 29:20).
• A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Prov. 12:16).

Prayers

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, you promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in my life the work of Your grace and love.
Grant me: The Spirit of Fear of the Lord that I may be filled with a loving reverence toward You,
the Spirit of Piety that I may find peace and fulfilment in serving You, while serving others,
the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with my salvation,
the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know You and know myself, and thus grow in holiness,
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your truth,
the Spirit of Counsel that I may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom.
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may aspire to the things that last forever.
Teach me to be Your faithful disciple. Animate me with Your Spirit in every aspect of my life, today and throughout the week to come.

God our saviour, look on this wounded world in pity and in power; hold us fast to your promises of peace won for us by your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

God, as I enter this holy place of prayer,
I bring into your presence the bewilderment and uncertainty engulfing our world.
As I light a candle of hope,
I pray that my anxiety may soften.
I ask for calm, not only for myself, but for all people.
Give us all a spirit of love and compassion in this time of need,
and for all who are sick, isolated and afraid, embrace them with the assurance of your peace and love. Amen.