Reflections on James

Our pastor is preaching through James right now and in our home groups we are also going through James to deepen our study of the book. I thought I would share some reflections from time to time. Here's the first one.

James 1:19-20
But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Can you imagine how different relationships would be if we applied this more often? What great parents we will be if we apply this when we have kids! And it starts right now setting good habits in our relationship together. So what I need to do everyday is ask myself:

1. Today was I quick to hear Joshua? Did I listen to his concerns, his ideas, his frustrations? Or was I busy making sure he heard all of mine?
   
2. Today was I slow to speak? Did I seek to understand Joshua first before trying to be understood? Did I really listen or was I thinking of how I would respond? Was I quick with a response without really trying to listen to him?
3. Today was I slow to anger? Did I jump to conclusions and get angry? Did I weigh each situation to decide if it was worth fighting over? Was I willing to "drop it" in order to promote peace?

We probably all know that person who listens a lot and speaks less, but when he/she does speak, you listen up because it is important. I want to be a person like that. I want to weigh my words and not spill them out carelessly. I will have to give an account of every word spoken, so being slow to speak is probably a really good idea!