“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” James 1:19.

We’ve all engaged in conversations were there are those who must always have the last word or their point of view is right regardless to your input- and God forbid…sometimes that just maybe you or me! “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1.

So, how do we guard against falling privy to this type of controlling spirit-what does the Bible have to say about it? Well, let’s look at what the apostle James wrote in the scriptures when admonishing us to remain faithful and obedient in hard times. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” James 1:19.

When we trust in God- we learn by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to adjust the speed of both our listening and speaking. If we truly believe that God is in control, then we can slow down, seek to understand, and respond in a meaningful, respectful way to others.

But in those time when we must assert ourselves…we are really feeling a lack of control- and that means momentarily we have lost sight that God is the One in control . . . so, we tend to spout off from the mouth or shoot from the hip, as my parents use to say. . . the mind is slowed down and closed to any positive input from others.

Let’s just call it like is-when we are obsessed with ensuring that we are heard and understood above all else…it is only a ploy to get what we want . . .this is not the behaviors that are consistent with being a beloved child of God. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3.

As children of the light, we are to humbly value others above ourselves. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3.

My friends, let us learn as the scriptures has admonished us to be be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; thinking twice, considering another person’s actions and speech, while always seeking to respond with kindness, respect, and brotherly love. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18.

No, we don’t have to have the last word in any situation…why? Because God is in control and because He is- Romans 8:28 holds true now and forever! “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

God blessing and peace be with you all.