When You’re Angry, Slow Down and T.H.I.N.K.
By Rick Warren
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 (NIV)
You can save yourself a lot of pain and heartache if you follow one simple rule: Slow down when you’re angry or hurt.
The Bible says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV).
Yet, usually we do just the opposite. We’re quick to speak, slow to listen, and swift to become angry. That’s backward! But if you do the first two parts of the verse—being slow to speak and quick to listen—the last part will be automatic. You’ll find yourself becoming angry less often and less naturally.
This is an important principle the Bible emphasizes over and over again:
- Proverbs 14:29: “Patient people have great understanding, but people with quick tempers show their foolishness” (NCV).
- Proverbs 15:28: “Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble” (GNT).
- Proverbs 15:18: “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).
How can you slow down and think before rushing to an angry response?
Use the acronym T.H.I.N.K. to remember these five important questions to ask before you react in anger.
- T: Is it truthful? Is what I’m about to say the truth?
- H: Is it helpful? Or will it simply harm the other person?
- I: Is it inspirational? Does it build up, or does it tear down?
- N: Is it necessary? If it’s not necessary, why do I need to say it?
- K: Is it kind? Will it encourage or discourage?
It’s not enough to only slow down when you’re angry. You also need to take the extra time to T.H.I.N.K. about what to say or do next. Try it, and you’ll see how a slow, calm response will help bring peace to a conflict.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.