“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

God speaks during adversity
James 1 teaches us that God uses trials to complete and grow us, leaving no need unmet. One problem that arises the most during trials is anger, which is fueled mostly by a lack of understanding and impatience. Many people have rebelled against God in their days of adversity because they lacked understanding on the ways of God. James teaches us to be sensitive to the promptings God gives us, especially in our time of adversity because God speaks to us most during our trials. He counsels us to remain patient and pray for knowledge during our hardships because God will gladly give us the understanding we require.

Anger is “an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage,” according to Charles Spielberger, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in the study of anger. 

Quick to listen, slow to Speak
It is proven scientifically that anger raises the levels of your energy chemicals and adrenaline, as well as your heart rate and blood pressure. Many relationships are destroyed everyday because of an apparent lack of emotional control and understanding by the people involved. Two individuals yelling at each other never solved a problem, it only raises blood pressure, heart rate and slows down resolution. When we keep mute and actually listen to what the other person has to say during an argument, we will be able to appreciate their perspective better and we can accord them a chance to lay down their grievances and how they feel we can best resolve it.

“To whom much is given, much is expected.” – Luke 12:48.

Much is required of us as Christians because of the path we have chosen. We are obligated to uphold the standard of God at all times, and Psalm 145:8-9 gives this testimony of God – “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” It is my prayer that God gives us the ability to exercise control over our anger, in our day to day relations with people and also in our times of adversity or trials. Amen!

James 1:19 Luke 12:48