“Anger”

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

James 1:19-20

The boss was being lied to and betrayed. As I sat watching and listening to the episode unfold, I was amazed at how he listened and didn’t attack. The employee was assaulting his integrity. My role in the room was to be the third-party observer. The boss knew what was being said were unfounded accusations.  He let the employee release all of the pent up anger. Then in a few calm sentences he ended the meeting. The employee wasn’t completely diffused, but had been heard. The boss was amazing in his display of mercy and grace.

As I reflect back on that meeting, I’m amazed that I too was able to hold composure and not jump in to rescue the situation. When we heed the words of James, “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” God shows up.

Application

The next time you find yourself in a situation where you or someone else has been wronged, pause to listen, before your respond.

Prayer

Help me to be more like James.