Receive with meekness the implanted word.

James 1:19-22, Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

If I was ever going to have a tattoo, this should probably be what I have on the back of my hand. I am easily tempted in the opposite direction, when struck to strike back, get even or even get ahead! The key to doing this is to receive the implanted word with meekness, to recognize that other people are important, and to treat them as we would wish to be treated. When we read the word, are we willing to put it to work, to take the lesson out into the laboratory of the world?

We want to be more like you, who laid aside unimaginable glory, to humble yourself to live as one of us and to redeem us; give us more of your Spirit every day.

ESV Lectionary