“ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” James 1:19
James grew up with a perfect big Brother. Literally. Imagine . . . His name was Jesus.
But growing up in the same home would have surely provided the same types of
relational rubs as would be the reality of any family. Imagine a typical conflict between
the two young brothers being corrected by Mom or Dad. It would have never been “HIS”
fault. He was perfect. Literally.
We can only imagine what it was like for James, growing up as a younger brother of
Jesus. But the fact that he became a devoted follower of his big Brother, even losing
his own life for the Cause of Christ says a lot about their relationship.
James wrote these important guidelines for healthy relationships. He kept it simple
and clear. I wonder if this might have been a daily family recitation as the children of
the carpenter’s home headed out to their normal activities. The wise, simple principles
are just as pertinent in our relationships now, whether within families, the work place,
school, in a grocery store, or hearing from the neighbor that your children have again
stepped on her flowers.
James followed his older Brother, carried on in ministry, and wrote about Him. James
was stoned to death in Jerusalem because he had faithfully followed his Brother Jesus,
long after Jesus returned to His Heavenly Father. Three key relational guidelines given
to us by James: “ Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak,” and “Be Slow to Become Angry”.
Simple to read, practical, but not easy to do in the heat of conflicts. James’ simple, wise
principles are truly needed for any successful relationships that may last a lifetime.
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