A Prayer for the Person Who Has Been Burned by Anger
By: Sophia Bricker
Bible Reading:
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:3-6, NIV).
Listen or Read Below:
Fire is beautiful and deadly. Consider the candle, which we can easily light to provide illumination and create an inviting atmosphere. Many candles also have unique scents so that as they burn, we receive comforting smells. But as harmless as the soft, flickering flame may seem, it has the capacity to bite and devour. Any child who has curiously reached out a hand to touch the flame remembers the hurt from being burned. As does anyone who has left a candle unattended and started a fire––one that can consume a building.
Scripture tells us that the tongue is like a fire. It may be small, but the effects of talking and misusing our words can spread as quickly as wildfire and prove just as dangerous. The tongue is also difficult to control and tame (James 3:7-8). A person could go long spans practicing wisdom with their words, but in an instant of anger, say something hurtful or foolish. Hence, James reminded us that how we use our speech matters.
Our Lord taught that we would have to give an account for every idle or careless word we spoke, including those that bite and hurt others (Matthew 12:36-37). Though we might dismiss some of what we say, thinking it is only a small flame in a world of burning fires, Christ redirects us. He shows us that we are accountable for even the seemingly insignificant statements we make to others.
And if we are on the receiving end of a misplaced word, then we should be more aware of the harmful consequences of speaking rashly. We know from experience the pain of being burned by those who lash out in anger. Of the grief and hurt we feel, and the cycle such evil wants to produce inside of us, returning the burn that was given to us. Returning evil for evil, though, is not the way of the Lord.
He was reviled yet reviled not (1 Peter 2:23). As the crowd of mockers hurled insults at the great Lord of all, who hung on the cross to bear their sin, He chose to remain silent. The Apostle James, the half-brother of Jesus, drew from this example when he encouraged the believers to be quick to listen, but slow to speak or to grow angry (James 1:19). This applies when we are the enraged one, wanting to spew out hurt on others or carelessly say a word in frustration, and when we are the ones burned by the anger of others. The temptation is the same since the restless tongue awaits to set us on fire.
Nothing good comes of unbridled words, but we can choose how we react to them. We can return good when others hurt us (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 3:9). Do the hard deed of forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). And walk with a greater resolve to use our words to uplift rather than tear down (1 Thessalonians 5:11). For the inner fire of the Holy Spirit is far greater than any flame of the tongue, and His purifying presence brings healing and hope. May we walk and speak according to the leading of the Spirit.
Let’s Pray:
God, there have been many times when I have been burned by careless statements. I have also, sadly, burned others through foolish and harsh words. But You know more than anyone how that feels because You endured insults as You hung on the cross. Teach me, O Lord, to return love, not evil, to those who say hurtful things to me. Place a guard over my mouth so that I do not give in to every whim to speak what I think. You are the Creator of the mouth, who directed Moses’ words when he did not know what to say. So, also help me to be quicker to listen than to speak, knowing that the multiplication of my words does not bring about Your glory.
And great Spirit who descended on the disciples in fiery tongues on the day of Pentecost, work in me so that I am more guided by You than the sinful flesh. Hinder me anytime I want to say a word in anger or impulsivity, and instead use my ability to speak for Your good purposes.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jeremy Perkins
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.
Related Resource: 5 Things Parents Need to Tell Their Kids About War Right Now
When war dominates the headlines, parents are left asking an important question: How do we talk to our kids about it? In this episode of March or Die, Jeremy Stalnecker shares practical and biblical principles for guiding young people through confusing and frightening global events.
Drawing from his experience as a Marine who lived through the wars following 9/11, Jeremy explains why moments of global conflict can become powerful opportunities for parents to teach their children about courage, faith, and moral clarity. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, parents can use them to help their kids understand fear, the reality of evil in the world, and the responsibility we have to stand for what is right.
This conversation explores how parents can alleviate fear, explain why conflict exists, and demonstrate a faith-filled response when the world seems chaotic. Jeremy also discusses the importance of teaching children the difference between necessary and unnecessary violence, why standing against evil matters, and how faith in God provides stability even in uncertain times. If this episode of March or Die helped your spiritual perspective, be sure to follow the show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
