Last evening was our second Wednesday for our Band of Brothers group. We are focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit, and specifically for the next six weeks on Self-Control: Mastering Our Passions. Last night, we began the mini-series with Mastering the Manner in Which We Talk with One Another. We looked at James 3:1-12, Ephesians 4:29-32, and James 1:19-20.

As I think about our time last night, and I reflect on the thoughts that were shared among the group members, I am driven to think about both our church culture and the culture in our community and around the world. The Middle East remains in a turmoil. African violence is not subsiding. Crime continues to escalate here in our own country and communities. People fight with one another over the most ridiculous reasons. Married couples often cannot talk civilly to one another for more than a few minutes. And Parents and kids are equally challenged to be able to communicate in healthy ways. Much has been written about what is wrong with society. And much is offered by way of solutions to the problem. While this problem in human relations can appear very complex at times, I am not so sure it is that difficult to solve. Quite possibly what James says in James 1:19-20 is the most effective solution. Applying this principle to our lives requires much grace and mercy from God, and between people. But it is possible to apply it, and make radical changes in the way people and nations communicate with one another.

What is that principle in James?

"Everyone of you should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." This could be called the "quick-slow-slow principle." We do love "quick" as westerners, but that quick usually applies to how quickly I tell you what I think and want. Or how quickly I become angry at you, when my goals and desires are thwarted by you. What if we spent more time and energy on listening to one another, refraining from offering our opinions so readily, and restraining our impulse to become angry at people and situations? Of course, this process is impossible with man. But not with God. That is why self-control of my communication and related emotions is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It takes God's intervention into our hearts to be the people we want to be and others need us to be.

This week, let's all commit to asking God to help us practice the "quick-slow-slow principle."