how to respond

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness
James 1:19,20 HCSB
https://bible.com/bible/72/jas.1.19.HCSB

What must we be quick to hear? Surely not the offensive words? Perhaps there is another hearing? How does God hear? He sees broken people behaving brokenly. Is it fear, hurt, rejection, or pride we hear?

Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were sheep without a shepherd. Would we see that? I have a friend behaving awkwardly because of COVID rules. He objects to having the vaccination.  Unfortunately, it is not a welcoming place for the unvaccinated. They are being isolated from fellowship because of government ruling. Facebook posts show the frustration of this friend and his family.

When anger is expressed we are inclined to respond in kind. It is only the grace of God on our lives that enables us to hear and respond appropriately.

Remember, anger does not produce the righteousness of God!

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