Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 ESV
God has gifted us all uniquely and that leads to us having certain insights that others lack. When we pick up on the fact that someone isn’t as wise or knowledgeable as we are in an area, or that they don’t share our opinion, we can become frustrated, condescending, and angry.
This divisiveness is so apparent in the world today. Just look in the comment sections of any controversial social media post. People are quick to correct and condemn, and to speak out their own “right” opinion regarding a situation. And there is one common theme in it all–everyone is angry when they do so.
Yet James 1:20 let’s us know that man’s anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God. It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Because we are made in His image, we should do likewise. If we are angry and want someone to hear us in order to feel better, or to convince them of how wrong they are, we’re not ready to communicate yet.
Instead, we should pray about the matter, ask God for wisdom and discernment in understanding and delivery, and then approach the individual/topic only when God releases us to do so. Lastly, we should exercise humility and not automatically assume that our viewpoint is correct. We should ask God for His opinion, His heart, and His agenda in all things.
Take comfort in the fact that God corrects in all kindness and gentleness. He isn’t angry with us. We can freely receive His grace in order to extend that same grace to others.
Receive His righteousness and operate in His peace. Your relationships are guaranteed to look more like Him!