Introduction:

Do you ever find yourself starting your day with a negative attitude? Maybe something happened the night before, or you woke up feeling anxious or stressed. Whatever the reason, starting the day off on the wrong foot can set the tone for the rest of the day. As Christians, we have a powerful tool to help us combat negativity: God's Word.

Main Scripture:

James 1:19 (NIV) 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Devotional:

When we start our day with a negative attitude, it can be challenging to shake it off. We may feel angry, frustrated, or stressed, and these feelings can follow us throughout the day. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to love our neighbours as ourselves, to be patient and kind, and to avoid anger.

In James 1:19, we find a powerful reminder of how we should conduct ourselves: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." These words are especially relevant in our fast-paced, information-saturated world, where it's easy to become reactive rather than reflective. 

So, how can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

1. First, we can make a conscious effort to listen more than we speak. We can ask questions, seek to understand other's perspectives and respond with compassion and kindness.

2. Second, we can take a breath before we react. We can pause, reflect, and choose our words carefully.

3. Finally, we can remember that anger is not a solution. We can choose to respond with compassion and love, even when we feel frustrated or hurt.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word and the wisdom it provides. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. May we respond to others with kindness, empathy, and love, even when we feel hurt or frustrated. We pray for your peace to fill our hearts and minds and for your guidance to lead us throughout the day. Amen.