Let every man be Swift to hear, Slow to speak
Dear Christian,
“My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” – James 1:19
The pandemic and quarantine has caused some to use social media to bicker, judge, and rage against one another. Rather than using this opportunity to practice humility and be “slow to speak, slow to become angry”, many have done the opposite—even within the church. I have observed an increase in the number quarrels online between Christians with varying opinions and convictions regarding the pandemic. The weeks ahead promise to be even dicier as churches contemplate gradual re-opening, with congregations split on whether or not they feel comfortable gathering in person yet. Much of the anger and wrath comes from being self-centered and not others-centered. My hope for us is to slow down and before we hit the send button or comment next time on social media that we would pray about our words used and for the person we are talking to. May others see the love of Christ in our lives and by the way respond online.
