INTRODUCTION
James 19:1
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (NKJV)
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (NKJV)
- Slow to speak
- Quick to listen
- Slow to get angry
If you are being slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to get angry…how is that working out for you?
James 1:19-20
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (NKJV)
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (NKJV)
James 1:20
Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (NLT)
Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (NLT)
“Do I want to make a point? Or do I want to make a difference?”
SUPPORT
Matthew 22:35-40
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (NKJV)
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (NKJV)
Love God. Love People.
APPLICATION
How do we overcome offenses?
- Lower your expectations of others.
Imperfect people do imperfect things
2 Timothy 3:1-4
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (NKJV)
2. Elevate your gratitude for God's grace
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (NKJV)
2. Elevate your gratitude for God's grace
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)
By grace
John 8:7
“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (NKJV)
“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (NKJV)
CONCLUSION
None of us are worthy of being stone-throwers
James 1:20
Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (NLT)
Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (NLT)