Quick to Hear

This you know, my beloved brethren.  But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger:  James 1:19

Why are we so quick to defend ourselves when someone reproves or corrects us?  My 4 children and 2 of the neighbor children were playing a game that I had to end because they couldn't stop arguing.  After I end the game and sent the neighbor kids home my children were left trying to defend themselves.  They had no interest in being corrected because of course they believed they were right.  "And you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof"  Proverbs 1:25  I wish I could say this was something my kids struggle with and that I'm excellent at receiving correction, but alas I fail too often to be quick to hear and slow to speak.  I know that God's word is perfect, restoring the soul yet I still battle against godly wisdom at times.  "But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil."  Proverbs 1:33

I've learned that the more I'm in God's word, the more it's in me.  I sin less often and when I do sin God reveals it to me and I'm quicker to respond in a godly way.  When I am feeding my soul with scripture, the truths overcome the lies that I can tend to believe.  I no longer feel driven to defend myself because I know that reproof with God's word produces wisdom and knowledge of God.  "My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, Proverbs 2:1 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:5  What peace and joy I have in correction knowing that it's for my good and God's glory!

God is amazing in all that He is and does.  He knows exactly what we need and is patient with us when we respond to His correction in sin.  He is a gracious and merciful God who deserves all praise and glory.

Angie