How do you respond?

"1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."  Proverbs 15:1. NLT

Our actions depict what side of the road we are walking on. They are important factors to how we will benefit in our relationships at work, at home or even in church. Our response to people or situations are closely connected to how we are feeling on a particular day. For instance, you may have a stack of things to do on this day and just thinking about it all can create stress, so you are already at your limit of tolerance. Then someone may come up and say the wrong thing at the wrong time and BOOSH!! you lose it and fly off the handle. You know you shouldn't but you do. The person who was trying to speak to you becomes offended and says equally upsetting words and war has begun.

What happened? You weren't in control of your mouth. If you had given a gentle answer to the person explaining that, 'I'm rather busy at the moment but I'll ring you later, I promise' that would have probably saved the day but, sadly you didn't. If this is you, you may regret it straightaway and apologise but, then again, it may go on for days without repentance. Solomon said, 'A hot- tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them' Proverbs 15:18. What are you?

So we're looking at harsh words v gentle words and hot tempers v cool tempers Assessing the above example, the problem started with you and at that particular moment when you thought and then looked at the work load and the stress of it all was created in your mind. From thereon, you had the choice to either look at it in a positive manner such as, 'Wow, I have a lot to do today, but I'll get through it all, please help me Lord,. we can do this.' There was also the negative route, which you took, 'I'm never going to get through all of this,

 I've got so many other things to do as well. I'll never cope.' Just look at the negative words you said; and realise that you confessed that you'll NEVER get through this, and, I'll NEVER cope. You confessed negativity.

James 1:19 says: 'You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.'

How you talk to someone, including yourself, can dampen the situation or cause it to flare up. No one can change this for you except God and yourself. The bible is your training manual so adhere to its teaching. Mark off the verses that point to anger or peace and start to put it into practice. You'll be more popular when you do.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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