“...my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” -from James 1:19,20.
These opening verses reflect sound judgment from the Lord, and have broad application to interactions we may have as Christians. Conflicts are bound to arise with both the unsaved, AND others who profess Christ, but see things differently. The Bible says that every one believes their own views to be right, and today people have little tolerance for opinions that disagree.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” -Proverbs 21:2.
This condition is common in today’s fast-paced world, where people seldom take the time to really listen, or to even explain their opinions to others; but instead judge them hastily due to prejudiced generalizations about the “type” of people they’re dealing with, based on thin evidence without examination. It’s imperative that we learn to cultivate patience, rather than embrace intolerance. Jesus said;
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” -John 7:24.
Christians, we really should be the first in line for opposing this wicked trend (Proverbs 18:13) sweeping the land, and not returning evil for evil, but overcoming it with good.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:21.
When the disputes come about, it’s likely that both sides have a general idea of each other’s opinions, though a lot of generalized assuming may cloud the full picture. Scripture guides us by saying we should be swift to hear, and SLOW to speak; we should exercise patience by listening to the other side explain their position, and ask questions; making sure of our own understanding, and also in helping them to think & articulate clearly.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” -2 Timothy 2:24-26.
And the believer’s hearing should also be listening to the Holy Spirit for God’s wisdom (James 1:5) in responding, and for gaining insights that only the Almighty would know. If the dispute is with a fellow Christian, the Word of God is our authority, and should be relied upon for direction by both parties; NOT how each person feels about things (2 Corinthians 5:7), or the opinions of others who may involve themselves.
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” -2 Corinthians 10:12.
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” -1 Corinthians 7:23.
Brethren, we live in a time when many won’t even consider they could be wrong about something, and are generally described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Only God is able to open their eyes, or ours, when such is the case! It’s crucial to rely on the Lord for His discernment in knowing when simply to walk away, and leave the remaining work with Him alone, for the scripture tells us to;
“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.” -Proverbs 14:7.
Even though this spirit of self righteousness has overtaken our land, the Bible promises that When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him; pray that God will grant that wisdom from above to be outfitted as a part of that standard, while there’s still time.
“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” -Proverbs 30:12.
“...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” -Isaiah 59:19B.
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” -James 3:17.
I also have short Youtube video on this subject that can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/_IaG565A5pE?feature=share
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