Slow to Anger, Quick to Love

A man smiling and waving

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. – James 1:19-20

You know, anger can come on us faster than a tractor down a hill with no brakes. One moment you’re fine, the next you’re steaming.

I’ve had days where I’ve told myself, “I’m not going to lose my cool today,” and five minutes later… well, the Lord had to remind me I’m still a work in progress.

Anger isn’t always wrong—it can be a sign that we care deeply about justice or someone being hurt—but it’s a tricky guest.

If it stays too long, it starts rearranging the furniture in your heart. Suddenly, patience is pushed into the corner, and kindness gets shoved out the door.

The Power of a Pause

One of the most practical tools God’s given me is the pause. You don’t have to solve the problem in the next five seconds.

You can take a deep breath, ask Him for wisdom, and maybe even whisper a prayer like, “Your patience, Lord.”

The pause makes room for God’s Spirit to step into the moment. And believe me, He’s a far better peacemaker than any clever comeback or well-timed glare we might be tempted to use.

Let God Shape the Response

Remember—anger handled God’s way turns into strength, not damage. It becomes a bridge rather than a battering ram.

And the beautiful thing? His love in you has more power than any frustration around you.

So today, if anger knocks at your door, open it carefully—and invite Jesus into the conversation before anything else gets said or done.

Questions to Ponder:

• When was the last time I paused before reacting in anger? What happened?

• How might I make “the pause” a habit in my daily life?
  

Devotionals