Quick to Listen, Slow to Anger

    In the book of James, we find simple, but unbelievably powerful words that remind us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” The book of James is also well-known because of other familiar phrases regarding humility, the avoidance of favoritism and the limits of pious phrases that do not address foundational needs. ‘If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what good is that?’ (James 2:15-17). While the epistle of James was relegated by some to a secondary status in the canon, the practical application of the words offers basic, undeniable suggestions of the ways people should relate to each other.

Although the name James seems to be a somewhat common name in the New Testament, the author of this book of the Bible is believed to be the brother of Jesus. The writer of James is believed to be a Greek-speaking Jewish Christian who understands the significance of religion to include a commitment to superior moral conduct. The surging debate between faith and works extends the discussion that had been introduced by the apostle Paul. For Paul, the works of the law were insufficient to accomplish the will of God. For James, a proclaimed faith that was not accompanied by works was valueless.

The worth of the works performed because of faith is best measured by the impact upon the recipient. The willingness to listen and the desire to avoid anger help to position us to accomplish the purpose of God—offering relief for the good of others. There are times when merely the words we speak can accomplish the will of God. However, more often the will of God is accomplished by allowing the words of faith to accompany the works of justice.

We will see you in worship Sunday morning!

In Christ,
Jon McCoy