Be Quick to Hear and Slow to Speak

Understand this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to take offense and get angry.

For mans anger does not promote the righteousness God wishes and requires. ~ James 1:19-20

I am a very head strong woman with a sometimes big mouth. God has been dealing with me about this for years. I have struggled with trying to be a good quiet Christian woman. Thank God I was delivered from that. God does not want me to become what I am not. He wants me to use my voice and strength for His glory. It is when I step out into the flesh that I become out of alignment. It is when I speak without thinking. ;)

For me, verse 19 can be really challenging. I am not always quick to hear and I can whip a slew of words out faster than a thought can form. I don't get offended too often. However, I ask God's forgiveness on a semi regular basis for my temper, and for offending others. I am much better than I used to be. Praise the Lord!

However, I am still a work in progress though and have by no means "arrived."

The best advice I can give those of you who struggle in these areas is to keep pressing in. Continually get into the Word. Keep asking God to help you. And one day you will wake up and realize how far you have come. It will happen if you choose to never give up and never let your mistakes get you down.

That is the key. The devil loves to make us feel like big fat failures. He loves to throw our faults and mistakes in our faces. In order to find victory we must begin to recognize these attacks and refuse to receive the lies of the enemy. Stand up against the little slime ball. He has no authority overus. He was placed under our feet by the Blood of Jesus. The only way he can get out from under us is when we let him.

Verse 20 is what keeps me from staying down when I slip. I do not want to be the kind of Christian that makes our God look bad. I do not want to be a poor example of my Beloved Savior.

I want my light to shine so bright that every demon in hell will be blinded, and people will know Who and what I stand for. That is why I do these devotions...even though most days I feel completely UNqualified. However, I know that God has called me to encourage and equip Christian wives and Mothers to be all that He created them...us to be.

In closing, be quick to hear and slow to speak. And, when you fail, do not give up. GET up. Brush yourself off, and move on.

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, Thank You for Your Life-Giving Word. Thank You for supplying me with all the information I need to live a peace filled life here on earth. Thank You for Your Love and Mercy. Lord, forgive me for the times I let my mouth get ahead of me and my anger overcome me. Forgive me for the times I have been a poor example for You. You know my heart longs to live my life for You. I will keep pressing on and NEVER give up. I will be all that You created me to be. I will! I love You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez