Message Minute (Slow to Anger, Quick to Love)

"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

One mark of godly anger is that it's controlled and short-lived. Throughout Scripture, God is described as "slow to anger." Jesus's anger in the Gospels was always focused and brief—He didn't walk around in a perpetual mood, zapping fig trees and turning wine back to water.

How long anger lasts reveals whether it's selfish anger concerned with vengeance or loving anger concerned with others. Selfish anger simmers, replays the offense over and over, and seeks revenge. Loving anger confronts the wrong, commits the injustice to God, and lets Him handle it.

This week, before gathering with family, before entering situations that trigger frustration, make a decision: Will you keep nursing anger, or will you trust God with justice? The world would be better if we all lived quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

But here's the real gift: this leads to personal freedom. Stop living in the past, nursing hurt, and telling sad stories. Take responsibility for your attitude. Trust God's sovereignty and His promise to ultimately handle vengeance. Trust His sufficiency to make up for what others took from you.

What God offers isn't an impossible command—it's freedom for your heart this holiday season.

Reflect: What old anger do you need to release today? How would your life change if you trusted God completely with justice?

Prayer: Father, make me slow to anger and quick to love. Free my heart from bitterness. Help me walk in the freedom Christ purchased for me. This Thanksgiving, let gratitude replace anger. Amen.