How many of us have thought of anger as a temptation? We probably think of many other things as tempting before we begin to understand that easily losing our temper could be a temptation for us.  It begins as an irritation and then can easily explode into a destructive force.  For some, anger becomes a bad habit that is used to control others around them.  They believe that their anger can be used to fix an unfair situation.  For others, they have allowed a bitterness to swell within them and as a result, they are always close to an eruption.  They lose the ability to keep their temper in check. 

One of the greatest concerns that James communicates to the church in Jerusalem is that faith needs to match how people live.  As a result, James provides practical advice on how a Christian needs to behave.  Notice the three steps that are emphasized.  First, learn to listen to other people.  Unfortunately, most people are better talkers than listeners.  When having a conversation with someone, how often are you already preparing how you will respond before the other person even stops talking? The act of listening is important because it leads to understanding.  As you understand someone, you are less likely to become angry with them.

James second step is to be slow to speak.  I have found that asking follow up questions allows me to gain a better understanding.  Then I can respond in a more appropriate fashion.  Finally, notice with the third step that anger is not always a sin.  This scripture says to be slow to anger, not to have anger at all.  Sometimes anger is an appropriate response to an injustice.  But scripture also states not to sin in your anger!  This means that there is an appropriate way to express your anger, according to the situation. When a person seeks to understand the motivation behind their anger, they will begin to understand if it has become a habit, an underlying bitterness, or just plain selfishness when desires are being blocked by someone or something else.  Learning these three steps will not only lead to better relationships with those in your world and it will also lead to a better relationship with God!

Read James 1:19-27