James 1:17-27 (NRSV)
Read James 1:17-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Verse 18In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Verse 19You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; Verse 20for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. Verse 21Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. Verse 22But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. Verse 23For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; Verse 24for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. Verse 25But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act-they will be blessed in their doing. Verse 26If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Verse 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Devotion
If you have a child, a spouse, a good friend or a sibling it is likely that you find yourself in a position where you have said something that you wish you hadn't. In haste or emotion words flew out of your mouth like daggers and you immediately (or almost immediately) wished you could take them back. The same thing can happen with acquaintances, but then perhaps we don't always notice it so quickly.
We are called as the people of God not only to live out God's love for us, but to speak that love into being in the world. When we take time to look and listen to others (and even the earth) we may find that there is more wisdom in our ability to listen and be present than in our speaking.
Prayer
Lord, let my ears be open today to hear your word of encouragement and let me speak only in love to those around me. Amen.