"We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself (or, guards), and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."
(1 John 5:18-21)
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. SO THEN, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
(James 1:16-20)
We should recognize that James' directive regarding hearing, then speaking or taking action does not come instantaneously with the new birth. Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath are characteristics of our master, Jesus Christ. Those need to be built into us: replacing our earthly confidences, and our desires for more our way, we ask the Father for his pruning so to bring forth fruit of the true vine, Jesus Christ. Then they will eat good fruit from us In Him, giving themselves the opportunity for everlasting life.
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