A GENTLE RESPONSE
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 (NIV)
Relationships are hard! Some days, it is just so difficult to navigate conversations with friends, family or coworkers. We can sometimes be offended by even the smallest things. Unfortunately, we don’t always handle these situations very well.
Proverbs 15:1 presents us with two courses of action. Can you relate to these? In any kind of relationship, the second half of that verse can lead to terrible outcomes. One of the most challenging things for us is using the right words with the right tone. What we think is a nice, gentle answer might be perceived as harsh. Choose your words carefully!
Thankfully, we have God’s Word to help us. In James 1:19 (NLT), we see the best way to approach a conversation. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
We must remember we need to listen to others, pray for what God wants us to hear and say, and not react in anger. In our desire to be right and think we know the best way to do things, we can easily put someone down and change a conversation into something that destroys a relationship.
APPLICATION: Look back on your conversations in the last few days. How did you handle them? Did you reply with grace and love, or were you harsh? How could you have handled them differently? Before any conversations you have today, prepare your heart by praying for God to help you be quick to listen and slow to speak. Leave room in your conversation for the Holy Spirit to work.
PRAYER: Almighty Father, thank You for Your kindness. I ask that You give me wisdom as I talk to people today. Help me to be gentle in my responses so others can see Your love in me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?