James 1:19-20, 26 and 2:8 - “Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose ... Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself ... “You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’” We live in a time of “If it feels good, do it.” The thing about that is it often gives no thought to others and therefore leaves us easy prey for our human nature to take over. And human nature is far removed from the divine! It’s so simple to open our mouths and shut down our brains, as if the world would stop spinning if we didn’t insert that sharp barb or cutting remark of sarcasm. But is Jesus leading us to behave that way? And what kind of example are we setting for those who might see us as true Christians and want to be like we are? Will Christ beam with pride at our behavior or will He shake His head? We’ve been conditioned to think we must speak out about every matter when in fact the opposite is mostly true. We can learn much more through listening than talking, and many times will seem much wiser and do less damage with our silence. There are times for righteous anger, but our petty peeves we can surely keep to ourselves. One of the kindest souls that has ever walked the planet always has good things to say, but when the conversation turns otherwise will often busy herself with something else and say nothing. Gossip, finding fault with others, or being petty, generally contrary, and cantankerous? Silence. I greatly admire her ability to do that, but she is a true woman of God. How do I know that? Because she is quick to listen, slow to speak and become angry, and she controls her tongue. Let’s bring out the “love your neighbor as yourself,” dust it off, and live it as we’re supposed to.