Slowwww

James 1:19-20
^{19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20} because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

Even if the Lord says it's okay to be angry as long as we do not sin, it is still important that we act slow to becoming angry.  Why?  It normally does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  What's the antidote?  Be quick to listen and be slow to speak.  Hear out then speak slowly... 

I have to always remind myself on this.  Many times we like to excuse ourselves with the "as long as we don't sin..." statement.  Yet, I really need to be hearing people out more, slow in my speech, and being much slower in becoming angry - regardless the rationale behind everything.  If I want to produce the righteousness that God desires, I must heed this again and again.

// Lord, please help me with this, especially at times when things creep up to me and have all the reasons to be angry - whether minor or a major thing.  I desire your righteousness daily so I pray that I will be always not excuse myself but rather think of the results - pleasing you and producing the righteousness that You desire.  Thank you for the wonderful reminder, in Jesus' name, amen.