Young Adults' Group

The Challenge To Develop Good Qualities

by Pastor Mark
October 05, 2023

Practical good qualities of life

We thank God that, by His will, we were brought forth as believers…to become the firstfruits of His creation (James 1:18). But how can we learn to be examples to others? The Apostle James, in a practical way, sought to challenge His brethren to cultivate good qualities in their lives, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” (James 1:19) But why did James emphasise this? He was concerned that some brethren were struggling with the problem of wrath, which needed to be addressed.

The problem of wrath

“For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

1. The wrath of man is manifested when we unwisely react to difficulties and trials.
2. It is to lose control of our temper with God and those around us.
3. Nothing good comes out of having such wrath.
4. It does not produce the righteousness of God.

The challenge to cultivate good qualities

1. Swift to hear

1. One good quality is to be swift to hear…to give full attention to hearing.
2. We need to listen and understand the whole situation before responding.
3. When we appreciate what is being shared, we respond appropriately.
4. The problem is being slow to hear but quick to react.
5. We are not hearing each other the way we should.

Let us learn to hear far more attentively than what we are currently doing.

2. Slow to speak

1. It is learning to pause before speaking.
2. Much restraint and patience are needed.
3. Wisdom is needed to think through things before saying anything.
4. The problem is that we tend to speak more than we hear.
5. We are often too quick to pass comments, give opinions and even curse.
6. We end up regretting when we say things without thinking.
7. The Lord Jesus taught that we should not judge our brother (Matthew 7:1–5).
   1. We ought not to judge and say to our brother concerning the speck in his eye.
   2. Especially when we have a plank in our eye.

When we are slow to speak, we are practising the righteousness of God.

3. Slow to wrath

1. Another good quality is to be slow to wrath and not give in to anger.
2. We need to be able to control our spirit.
3. We can learn wisdom from the book of Proverbs on how not to fall into wrath.
4. Some verses for us to consider

“He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)

“A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” (Proverbs 15:18)

We have every encouragement to be wise and not give in to our wrath. Let us be challenged to develop good qualities in our lives…to be good examples as firstfruits of His creatures.

Back to Article Listing