Seeking Jesus First Sep. 2, 2025
Do not let anger cause you (or your mouth) to sin.
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20, NKJV)
Listen first. Listen to the heart. Discern the truth. Be quiet and hear. Dwell in understanding and peace. Keep your mouth closed until you can give a proper response in love motivated truth and wisdom. When anger tries to raise its head, don’t give it a voice.
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, NKJV)
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29–32, NKJV)
When we speak out of anger or bitterness, we grieve the Spirit of God. Our mouths were made for imparting God’s grace.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:1–2, NKJV)
Kindness and Gentleness are hallmarks of a spiritual person. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self control.
These Scriptures are commands to us. They are not just good ideas. When we flesh out in anger, we give place to the devil in our life. Let’s pray…
Heavenly Father, I repent for giving the devil place in my life through lack of self control. I turn my back on bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking. I choose kindness, tender-heartedness. I choose to forgive just as Christ has forgiven me. I let grace season my words, so that when I speak I impart grace. Holy Spirit, I invite you to set off warning signals and correct me if I start to lose it. Holy Spirit, let the love of God fill my soul and be evident in my speech and actions toward others. I set a watch before my lips so that I will not sin against God or people with my words. LORD Jesus, I receive Your mind and I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. Thank you Lord for a new day of restoration in my life as I speak the truth in love and grow up into You in all things. Amen.