Human Anger

James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

I guess most of the time we do the opposite of what this verse says.  We don’t listen, we speak without thinking, and we react in anger to whatever upsets us, and yes – righteousness is not the product – but rather we stir up trouble.

It’s not so easy to heed this verse when we are angered.  But I’m guessing it’s because of the very first command that we disregard.

Listening is truly an art, but who is it that we are supposed to listen to, in this verse?  Since the verse speaks of righteousness being the end product we are hoping for, it must be the Holy Spirit we need to listen to.

When we are angered, if we can stop and listen to Him, He will guide us to a response that produces righteousness.  In other words, there is an anger, a righteous indignation, that’s not human, that God can turn into a something good.

Does injustice anger you?  Do your kids stir up anger?  Is your boss one who angers you?

Stop quickly in your anger and listen.  Then don’t respond humanly.  Respond spiritually – supernaturally – and see what God will do with that anger.