James 1:19-27

James 1:19-27

What is the practical application of understanding the nature and the effect of temptation? It is not just a moral theory but a holy life. The place James begins for the holy living is anger. Anger generally comes from our being offended. Verse 19 is not about being a thoughtful student. It is about responding to insults or criticism that are personal in nature. Anger or offenses are often roadblocks to our spiritual development. They block us off from others and from God. They also are opportunities for temptation. It is not uncommon for anger to be the bad seed for filthiness and a daydream of malice. We in numerous ways will justify bad behavior that grows out of offense, showing that we are deluded about the gospel and its impact on our lives. When we are offended, we don't really care what the word/gospel has to say about our lives or conduct. Like a man who sees himself in a mirror and sees that he is a mess but is too distracted to do anything about it.

But when we take seriously the word/gospel, we find that our offended state and our anger must be shaped by the word/gospel. It is interesting that the first symptom of the disordered life is that of the tongue. It is the place anger and offenses first begin to seep out. Maybe it comes out in rage-filled, hateful words, or gossip, or lies, or cursing a person. The tongue is not an inaccurate barometer of our heart. The place where the whole and righteous heart manifests itself is not in words but in action. Words primarily express a problem area. Actions show a good heart. James expresses two of Jesus' teachings in specific but different ways in verse 27. In this verse he sums up the gospel lived out by restating the Golden Rule and the command to be “perfect as your heavenly father is perfect.” Mt 7:12, Mt 5:48

“Lord, help me let go of any anger that keeps me from maturity and Holiness. Amen”