Read + Reflect + Respond with James 1:19-27

James 1:19-27

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

READ + REFLECT + RESPOND 

READ:

Read the passage slowly and carefully in your favorite version. Then do it again! Consider reading the verses aloud. Copying some or all of them by hand will also help you remember them better than just reading them.

REFLECT:

• Write the passage, or part of it, in your own words. 
• What are some of the key words or concepts in the text? Look especially for words or concepts which are repeated throughout the passage.
• What pairs of opposites can you find in the passage?
• Make a list of the commands given in this passage, either positive (do this) or negative (don't do this). 
• In verse 19, it says to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger doesn't lead to the righteous life..." It's obvious that being "slow to become angry" is related to the "because" clause, but how does being "quick to listen, slow to speak" also factor into this?
• Look at the themes in each of the three sections of the passage. Verse 19 talks about listening and speaking. Then verse 22 extends listening to doing, because just listening is not enough.  Verse 26 expands on being slow to speak by reminding the readers to keep a tight rein on their tongues. James wrote extensively on this in chapter 3.
• Thinking of the connection between verse 21 and verse 27, are there different shades of meaning between moral filth, the evil that is so prevalent, and being polluted by the world? What is it about evil that wants to spread out and take over?
• What is the opposite of deceiving yourself? How can you make the switch?
• What does religion mean in this passage? It isn't the same as salvation (which is ours by faith, not deeds), but what is it?

RESPOND:

• How can you specifically apply the verses in your own life? I have listed some Action Ideas below.
• What are the potential benefits and challenges of your intended actions? How do you need to prepare to carry them out? Do you need help? If so, who?
• Write a short prayer based on the verses.

Action Ideas

• Think about what makes you angry. How do you feel inside? How does this show itself outwardly? What can you do to respond (thoughtfully choose proper communication and action) instead of react (hastily speak and act based on your first impression)? How can you practice and prepare ahead of time rather than waiting until you are "in the moment"?

• What moral filth have you allowed to affect your life / home / family, either directly or indirectly? Is there some tangible object that you need to remove? Are there reasonable restrictions you need to implement on your family's entertainment choices?

• If you aren't reading/hearing/recalling the Bible regularly in order to "humbly accept the word", what two or three things can you do today to set yourself up for success in this habit? Do you need a quiet space to read, or a Bible app that you can take with you, or a new Bible or journal, or an alarm set on your phone to remind you, or some Scripture memory songs? Here's an article with many ways to connect with God: Busy, Dizzy and In a Tizzy: Christian Contemplation for Moms and Other Frazzled Folks

• How do you take care of orphans? Check out this charity's web site to see their multi-faceted approach to physical , mental, emotional, and social needs of orphans: Worldwide Orphans. This ministry helps orphans through adoptions and foster care: Lifesong for Orphans. Keep in mind that there are also children with living parents who are unable to care for them (due to illness, substance abuse, incarceration, poverty, etc.). They still need safe, stable, nurturing homes.  If this is something you could provide either short-term or long-term, check into becoming a foster parent.

• How do you take care of widows? Here's a web site for you: Widow Connection. Also check out this article by Thom Ranier, president of Lifeway Christian Stores: Seven Reasons Why Your Church Should Have a Ministry to Widows. An article at Crossway: Called to Care for Widows. An article at the United Methodist Discipleship Ministries web site: Caring for Widows and Widowers.

HYMN

Trust and Obey

by John H. Sammis

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

PRAYER

Peace Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. 
Where there is hatred, let me sow love. 
Where there is injury, pardon. 
Where there is doubt, faith. 
Where there is despair, hope. 
Where there is darkness, light. 
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much 
seek to be consoled, as to console; 
to be understood, as to understand; 
to be loved, as to love. 
For it is in giving that we receive. 
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. 
Amen.

John Baillie's A Diary of Private Prayer

1. First Morning: “My First Thought”

Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought today be of You, let my first impulse be to worship You, let my first speech be Your name, let my first action be to kneel before You in prayer.

For Your perfect wisdom and perfect goodness:
For the love with which You love mankind:
For the love with which You love me:
For the great and mysterious opportunity of my life:
For the indwelling of Your Spirit in my heart:
For the sevenfold gifts of Your Spirit:
I praise and worship You, O Lord.

Yet let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day; 

Keeping me chaste in thought:
Keeping me temperate and truthful in speech: 
Keeping me faithful and diligent in my work:
Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself:
Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealing with others:
Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past:
Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of Yours.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

TAKING IT FURTHER

Click on these links for more resources on this passage.

My Reflections on James 1:19-27

Study Helps for James 1:19-27