Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 

James 1:19 NLT

This is the third time on one page that James has used this term "my dear brothers and sisters".

He is not telling, directing, yelling, putting himself higher, but coming alongside, equals, encouraging, we're in this together.

The word here for "anger" can also mean passions, its like he's saying sometimes we can let our emotions take charge. 

Our emotions tell us something, but in the moment don't always give us the right words to say, direct the right responses in some situations.

We may need to learn to slow down.

Slow down anger.

Slow down speaking.

And step up our listening game.

These things all happen in relationship with others. Workmates, classmates, customers, patients, bosses, staff, parents, children, spouses, partners, flatmates, friends...we have relationships with people all over the place. 

And James walking with us, is encouraging us to consider how today we might slow down a little our emotions, take a moment longer before we speak, and dwell a little longer in listening...

#james

#quickslowslow

#inthistogether 

#smallsteps