B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 63
August 24, 2011
Champions in Adversity
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
Football season is here! My favorite time of the year when I actually get excited about sports. Growing up in a small town in Alabama, high school football was king. Everything, and I do mean everything, stopped during the football game! Over the years, I have relocated north but I still love SEC football (War Eagle!) and still pause my chores to watch a great game on Saturdays.
My youngest son is preparing for the season by participating in the conditioning practices before the season. And the basis for conditioning practices? To build strength and learn a few more fundamentals of the game. Nothing is quite so embarrassing as "running out of gas" early in the fourth quarter! Kind of like the verse above - you condition in preparation for the game so that you will have adequate strength.
The same applies to our spiritual life as well. We must condition ourselves by studying God's word and applying it to our lives. Then, when we are challenged, we have the inner fortitude to make the correct decisions and not be swayed from our conviction. Strength comes from practice and we must practice God's word in our lives on a daily basis. For we can not win the battles of the world with our own strength. David sums it up best in Psalms 18:32-33: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places." We need to recognize our source of strength and exercise it daily.
Nothing feels greater than leaving the field as a champion! We too can be champions in Christ if we are adequately conditioned to face the challenge. Call upon him and he will renew your strength.
Football season is here! My favorite time of the year when I actually get excited about sports. Growing up in a small town in Alabama, high school football was king. Everything, and I do mean everything, stopped during the football game! Over the years, I have relocated north but I still love SEC football (War Eagle!) and still pause my chores to watch a great game on Saturdays.
My youngest son is preparing for the season by participating in the conditioning practices before the season. And the basis for conditioning practices? To build strength and learn a few more fundamentals of the game. Nothing is quite so embarrassing as "running out of gas" early in the fourth quarter! Kind of like the verse above - you condition in preparation for the game so that you will have adequate strength.
The same applies to our spiritual life as well. We must condition ourselves by studying God's word and applying it to our lives. Then, when we are challenged, we have the inner fortitude to make the correct decisions and not be swayed from our conviction. Strength comes from practice and we must practice God's word in our lives on a daily basis. For we can not win the battles of the world with our own strength. David sums it up best in Psalms 18:32-33: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places." We need to recognize our source of strength and exercise it daily.
Nothing feels greater than leaving the field as a champion! We too can be champions in Christ if we are adequately conditioned to face the challenge. Call upon him and he will renew your strength.
August 23, 2011
Wealth with Wings
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings: they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:5
We often place undue value on fleeting objects of desire. I remember in junior college having the goal of dating the most popular girl on campus. For months, that was all I could think about. How to get introduced, what to say and hopefully an invitation that would not get turned down. And wouldn't you know it? All of that hard work paid off! I actually got a date with the Homecoming Queen! The days of anticipation prior to the date were spent planning and analyzing how to make the evening the most unforgettable event in the history of man kind! And when the event happened? Fireworks and bands playing? Nope, the biggest let down of a life time! She was very kind and sweet but it was the most boring date of my life! Talk about a lot of wasted effort...
We often laugh off such events as childish behavior. However, are we any better as adults? Don't we still have dreams of sleek cars, big boats and even bigger homes? Once we get them, are we content? Do any of these last longer than a lifetime? The answer is usually no. The desire, if not the object of desire, seems to fly away much like described in the verse above.
Imagine the results if we were focused on Christ in such a manner. The enthusiasm and effort would have immeasurable results upon the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:19-21 where to place our heart and treasures.
In my story above, I was continually focused on making the girl my prize. Today, let's keep our focus on our heavenly prize. By focused thought and prayer, our efforts will reap us the treasure that matters most!
We often place undue value on fleeting objects of desire. I remember in junior college having the goal of dating the most popular girl on campus. For months, that was all I could think about. How to get introduced, what to say and hopefully an invitation that would not get turned down. And wouldn't you know it? All of that hard work paid off! I actually got a date with the Homecoming Queen! The days of anticipation prior to the date were spent planning and analyzing how to make the evening the most unforgettable event in the history of man kind! And when the event happened? Fireworks and bands playing? Nope, the biggest let down of a life time! She was very kind and sweet but it was the most boring date of my life! Talk about a lot of wasted effort...
We often laugh off such events as childish behavior. However, are we any better as adults? Don't we still have dreams of sleek cars, big boats and even bigger homes? Once we get them, are we content? Do any of these last longer than a lifetime? The answer is usually no. The desire, if not the object of desire, seems to fly away much like described in the verse above.
Imagine the results if we were focused on Christ in such a manner. The enthusiasm and effort would have immeasurable results upon the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:19-21 where to place our heart and treasures.
In my story above, I was continually focused on making the girl my prize. Today, let's keep our focus on our heavenly prize. By focused thought and prayer, our efforts will reap us the treasure that matters most!
August 22, 2011
The Great Equalizer
The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2
Have you ever felt a little less than others? Instead of overwhelming those around you, you feel that you are underwhelming? Many factors can impact our image of our lowly self: wealth, social status, physical appearance or abilities or simply how we perceive ourselves.
Take a closer look at the verse above, the Lord made us all. No matter how rich or poor we may be, we all have one creator. Job addresses the same issue in Job 31:13-15. We are all created by the same creator. And take courage in knowing that nothing we are or do affects our ability to come to Christ. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
And don't forget the most famous verse of the bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). It doesn't say whosoever is rich, famous, athletic or politically connected but whosoever believes in Christ. No matter our station in life, as believers of Christ, we have the greatest gift of all: Eternal Life.
So lift your head, stick out you chest and smile. You have the greatest gift of all and no one on earth can take it away from you! And the ones that used to intimidate you? They are no better than you, for they were created by the same Master.
Have you ever felt a little less than others? Instead of overwhelming those around you, you feel that you are underwhelming? Many factors can impact our image of our lowly self: wealth, social status, physical appearance or abilities or simply how we perceive ourselves.
Take a closer look at the verse above, the Lord made us all. No matter how rich or poor we may be, we all have one creator. Job addresses the same issue in Job 31:13-15. We are all created by the same creator. And take courage in knowing that nothing we are or do affects our ability to come to Christ. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
And don't forget the most famous verse of the bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). It doesn't say whosoever is rich, famous, athletic or politically connected but whosoever believes in Christ. No matter our station in life, as believers of Christ, we have the greatest gift of all: Eternal Life.
So lift your head, stick out you chest and smile. You have the greatest gift of all and no one on earth can take it away from you! And the ones that used to intimidate you? They are no better than you, for they were created by the same Master.
August 21, 2011
Role Reversal
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13
It is so easy for us to judge others! Human nature causes me to look down my nose and condemn others. Often, we do not know what led them to be in that situation or the conditions surrounding their case. But with my haughty spirit, I don't care - it is obvious what the problem is and they should be ashamed of themselves! Have you ever had such an attitude toward someone? It is a pity that we think we know it all when we can't see the heart of the individual - only God can. And only God should judge.
How quickly your attitude changes when the roles are reversed! It doesn't matter what chain of events got you there. But you wind up in a similar situation and do you feel ashamed. My first response is humiliation. Because I am initially more concerned about what others will think. I know in my heart what I had thought of others in the same situation. What a shame. Then I came to my senses and ask forgivness from God for my previous thoughts.
Jesus provides us a parable in Mathew 18:23-35 of the exact same situation where an individual's roles were reversed. And the basis of the parable? Forgiving those who sin against you. Look closely at the last verse: "So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matt 18:35)
Ouch! A little bit more harsher of a role reversal where your eternal life hangs in the balance! So as we go through our day, let us demonstrate the love of God and forgivness to others. At home, in the car or the work-place, we have multiple opportunities to show God's forgivness to others in how we handle the insults and injustices thrown our way. Each and every one is an opportunity to reverse the evil with good.
It is so easy for us to judge others! Human nature causes me to look down my nose and condemn others. Often, we do not know what led them to be in that situation or the conditions surrounding their case. But with my haughty spirit, I don't care - it is obvious what the problem is and they should be ashamed of themselves! Have you ever had such an attitude toward someone? It is a pity that we think we know it all when we can't see the heart of the individual - only God can. And only God should judge.
How quickly your attitude changes when the roles are reversed! It doesn't matter what chain of events got you there. But you wind up in a similar situation and do you feel ashamed. My first response is humiliation. Because I am initially more concerned about what others will think. I know in my heart what I had thought of others in the same situation. What a shame. Then I came to my senses and ask forgivness from God for my previous thoughts.
Jesus provides us a parable in Mathew 18:23-35 of the exact same situation where an individual's roles were reversed. And the basis of the parable? Forgiving those who sin against you. Look closely at the last verse: "So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matt 18:35)
Ouch! A little bit more harsher of a role reversal where your eternal life hangs in the balance! So as we go through our day, let us demonstrate the love of God and forgivness to others. At home, in the car or the work-place, we have multiple opportunities to show God's forgivness to others in how we handle the insults and injustices thrown our way. Each and every one is an opportunity to reverse the evil with good.
August 20, 2011
Hide and Seek
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them. Proverbs 20:12
Oh the games we sometimes play! We believe we can sneak around and not be caught. Both in words whispered privately and the deeds we perform in secret. But who are we fooling? Only ourselves. Solomon points out two facets of the Lord's omnipotence in the verse above that reduces our secretive actions to purely foolish behavior.
Abraham Lincoln said "You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time." What a neat comment but the fact of the matter is that you can never fool God. He knows our heart. He knows our thoughts and intentions even before they become actions. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:7 that he even knows the hairs on our head - quite a feat that few, if any, know about themselves.
So why do we perform foolish actions in secret when we know that the Lord sees them all? Do we think we can "slip one by Him"? Perhaps, it is simply that we allow our human nature to take charge and make decisions that we know are not in accordance with His Will. David provides us the proper frame of mind to approach God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139:23-24
When we are tempted to whisper a negative word or act in secrecy today, let's stop and call upon the Lord for forgiveness and ask him to lead us in our actions. Rest assured he will not have us hiding our actions from others but openly demonstrating His love for others.
Oh the games we sometimes play! We believe we can sneak around and not be caught. Both in words whispered privately and the deeds we perform in secret. But who are we fooling? Only ourselves. Solomon points out two facets of the Lord's omnipotence in the verse above that reduces our secretive actions to purely foolish behavior.
Abraham Lincoln said "You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time." What a neat comment but the fact of the matter is that you can never fool God. He knows our heart. He knows our thoughts and intentions even before they become actions. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:7 that he even knows the hairs on our head - quite a feat that few, if any, know about themselves.
So why do we perform foolish actions in secret when we know that the Lord sees them all? Do we think we can "slip one by Him"? Perhaps, it is simply that we allow our human nature to take charge and make decisions that we know are not in accordance with His Will. David provides us the proper frame of mind to approach God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139:23-24
When we are tempted to whisper a negative word or act in secrecy today, let's stop and call upon the Lord for forgiveness and ask him to lead us in our actions. Rest assured he will not have us hiding our actions from others but openly demonstrating His love for others.
August 19, 2011
Helping Heavenly Bodies
He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17
Have you ever been compelled to assist someone? And while someone else is the beneficiary of your charity, you leave feeling blessed and thankful. Solomon's verse states that He will pay you back. What a concept! You provide others what God has given you and in return, God gives back to you.
I am not simply talking about giving money - that is much too simple. But look at the examples that Jesus gave us in Matthew 25:35-40, feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, befriending strangers, providing clothing and visiting the sick and those in prison. Each of these examples requires time and effort. Not simply writing a check and walking a way but a commitment and interaction with those less fortunate than us. What a better way to show God's love to others! And look at what Jesus states in verse 40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
When we are helping others, do we treat them like we would Jesus? Do we show the love of Christ to each and every one, no matter their state in life? We are cautioned in Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." It puts a new perspective on our assistance to others. Instead of pity, perhaps respect and awe would be a more appropriate disposition.
Notice the term Jesus uses for those who give to others in verse 40 - brethren. Not servants, children or heirs but brethren. What a lofty term for such a lowly sinner as me.
Have you ever been compelled to assist someone? And while someone else is the beneficiary of your charity, you leave feeling blessed and thankful. Solomon's verse states that He will pay you back. What a concept! You provide others what God has given you and in return, God gives back to you.
I am not simply talking about giving money - that is much too simple. But look at the examples that Jesus gave us in Matthew 25:35-40, feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, befriending strangers, providing clothing and visiting the sick and those in prison. Each of these examples requires time and effort. Not simply writing a check and walking a way but a commitment and interaction with those less fortunate than us. What a better way to show God's love to others! And look at what Jesus states in verse 40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
When we are helping others, do we treat them like we would Jesus? Do we show the love of Christ to each and every one, no matter their state in life? We are cautioned in Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." It puts a new perspective on our assistance to others. Instead of pity, perhaps respect and awe would be a more appropriate disposition.
Notice the term Jesus uses for those who give to others in verse 40 - brethren. Not servants, children or heirs but brethren. What a lofty term for such a lowly sinner as me.
August 18, 2011
A Gift to be Treasured
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. Proverbs 18:22
I have never had the honor of receiving a Nobel, Emmy or Oscar award. If I did, I am sure that I would place the award in a prominent place in my home so that all who visited would see the distinguished award. And I could use the adjective "Nobel Prize Winner" in my title so that everyone would be reminded of my prestigious honor. What an exclusive group of winners I would join and forever be memoralized in the history books. Quite a "heady" thing to achieve!
But I have been awarded something much more prestigious - a wife. A gift from God. A miracle of God. Did Jesus not repeat Genesis in Mathew 19:6, "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.". What a spiritual miracle! God put us together - not a ceremony or a certificate but God himself. And Paul further expounds upon the joining of the two in Ephesians 5:28-29: "He that loveth his wife loveth himself".
Do you treat your wife as the prize awarded to you by God? Do you place her in high esteem? Are you proud to be recognized in association with her? Even after years of marriage, carpools, children's graduations and grandchildren, do you still look upon her with respect and awe? She is God's gift to you. And only you. Has your relationship obtained the favour of the Lord?
We often get into the rituals of life and take for granted the many blessings bestowed upon us. Why not pause today and thank the Lord for such a blessing? And let the "better half" of you know that she is appreciated and special.
I have never had the honor of receiving a Nobel, Emmy or Oscar award. If I did, I am sure that I would place the award in a prominent place in my home so that all who visited would see the distinguished award. And I could use the adjective "Nobel Prize Winner" in my title so that everyone would be reminded of my prestigious honor. What an exclusive group of winners I would join and forever be memoralized in the history books. Quite a "heady" thing to achieve!
But I have been awarded something much more prestigious - a wife. A gift from God. A miracle of God. Did Jesus not repeat Genesis in Mathew 19:6, "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.". What a spiritual miracle! God put us together - not a ceremony or a certificate but God himself. And Paul further expounds upon the joining of the two in Ephesians 5:28-29: "He that loveth his wife loveth himself".
Do you treat your wife as the prize awarded to you by God? Do you place her in high esteem? Are you proud to be recognized in association with her? Even after years of marriage, carpools, children's graduations and grandchildren, do you still look upon her with respect and awe? She is God's gift to you. And only you. Has your relationship obtained the favour of the Lord?
We often get into the rituals of life and take for granted the many blessings bestowed upon us. Why not pause today and thank the Lord for such a blessing? And let the "better half" of you know that she is appreciated and special.
August 17, 2011
Deserved Glory
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6
There is no one so proud as a new grandfather! He can't wait to share with you his latest photos, antics, or cute phrases uttered by his grandchild. His face is lit up with a glow of pride and he just can't stop bragging about his latest heir. Truly a crown to those blessed to live long enough to see their grandchildren born. Quite a common scene, these days. But the second half of the verse? Not so common - is it?
The question begs to be asked? How can I be the glory of my children? Is it by wealth or fame? Neither will last long, if not properly managed. Is it by allowing them to do as they will and give them everything they could possibly want? No, the result is spoiled children with no work ethic (Proverbs 13:24). Solomon gives the key in Proverbs 3:35 "The wise shall inherit glory...". I encourage you to read Proverbs 3. Solomon provides the key to wisdom and knowledge that is summed up in the last verse of the chapter. So, glory is not indicative of the normal adjectives used to describe a father on Father's Day: caring, supportive, giving, understanding or the epitaphs uttered during frustration: alcoholic, abusive, absent. Rather, glory is obtained by committing our ways to the Lord.
In doing so, don't you think our Heavenly Father has a big grin on his face as he proudly points to us and states with pride, "That's my boy!"? So let us renew our commitment to bring glory upon our children by dedicating our lives to following God's will. It will sure make our Father proud to present us to his Master on the throne!
There is no one so proud as a new grandfather! He can't wait to share with you his latest photos, antics, or cute phrases uttered by his grandchild. His face is lit up with a glow of pride and he just can't stop bragging about his latest heir. Truly a crown to those blessed to live long enough to see their grandchildren born. Quite a common scene, these days. But the second half of the verse? Not so common - is it?
The question begs to be asked? How can I be the glory of my children? Is it by wealth or fame? Neither will last long, if not properly managed. Is it by allowing them to do as they will and give them everything they could possibly want? No, the result is spoiled children with no work ethic (Proverbs 13:24). Solomon gives the key in Proverbs 3:35 "The wise shall inherit glory...". I encourage you to read Proverbs 3. Solomon provides the key to wisdom and knowledge that is summed up in the last verse of the chapter. So, glory is not indicative of the normal adjectives used to describe a father on Father's Day: caring, supportive, giving, understanding or the epitaphs uttered during frustration: alcoholic, abusive, absent. Rather, glory is obtained by committing our ways to the Lord.
In doing so, don't you think our Heavenly Father has a big grin on his face as he proudly points to us and states with pride, "That's my boy!"? So let us renew our commitment to bring glory upon our children by dedicating our lives to following God's will. It will sure make our Father proud to present us to his Master on the throne!
August 16, 2011
Calibrated Scales
All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Proverbs 16:2
We all try to be "good" people. And we know plenty of people that are "good". But the real question is: "Are we Christians with a life dedicated to Christ?". If we judge our actions against worldly standards, it is easy to feel comfortable with our actions. We haven't harmed anyone, stolen anything or cheated on our spouse. But how do we stack up in God's eyes? Are we truly "good" or just "earthly'?
Isaiah sums it up pretty well in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." We don't have the ability to perform righteously on our own. It only comes from Christ. Unless we allow Him to have his way in our thoughts and actions, we remain earthly in our behavior.
But how do we become doers of his Word? Solomon knew we were going to ask! And he answers in the very next verse. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3). Let Him guide you in your thoughts and actions. How? By frequent communication with God via prayer and studying his Word. If we are in frequent communication, his Spirit will guide us to make the right decisions. You will know immediately when you have made an "earthly" choice because the Spirit will impress upon your conscience .
The first step is staying in close communication with God (not just on Sunday). I encourage you to spend time with Christ at the start of your day and "keep the conversation going" throughout your day. It will tip the balance of the scales in a positive manner! As an added benefit, you will sleep better tonight because of fewer regrets!
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalms 25:4-5
We all try to be "good" people. And we know plenty of people that are "good". But the real question is: "Are we Christians with a life dedicated to Christ?". If we judge our actions against worldly standards, it is easy to feel comfortable with our actions. We haven't harmed anyone, stolen anything or cheated on our spouse. But how do we stack up in God's eyes? Are we truly "good" or just "earthly'?
Isaiah sums it up pretty well in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." We don't have the ability to perform righteously on our own. It only comes from Christ. Unless we allow Him to have his way in our thoughts and actions, we remain earthly in our behavior.
But how do we become doers of his Word? Solomon knew we were going to ask! And he answers in the very next verse. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3). Let Him guide you in your thoughts and actions. How? By frequent communication with God via prayer and studying his Word. If we are in frequent communication, his Spirit will guide us to make the right decisions. You will know immediately when you have made an "earthly" choice because the Spirit will impress upon your conscience .
The first step is staying in close communication with God (not just on Sunday). I encourage you to spend time with Christ at the start of your day and "keep the conversation going" throughout your day. It will tip the balance of the scales in a positive manner! As an added benefit, you will sleep better tonight because of fewer regrets!
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalms 25:4-5
August 15, 2011
Delayed Response
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stip up anger. Proverbs 15:1
When we are injured, physically or emotionally, our natural human tendency is to lash out. Remember the last time you struck your thumb with a hammer? An immediate response was on the tip of your tongue! Were you angry? O, yeah! And the same applies when we are hurt emotionally by someone's words. Our immediate reaction is to lash back with equally stinging words. However, Paul warns us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" Easier said than done sometimes.
But let's look at Solomons advice closely. Did he say to not get angry? No, as a matter of fact we all get angry; including Jesus (Mark 3:5)! But we need to follow our Master's example: he did not utter epitaphs or belittle them, rather he chose to say nothing at all. What restraint! However, if we could just pause briefly, what a difference it would make in our response to such situations! Solomon advises to use a soft answer. One that defuses the situation. Not a huge can of gasoline to make the situation explode. No, a soft answer that redirects the pain of stinging words.
Are we still angry with the individual that hurt us? Absolutely. However, Paul advises us in Romans 12:20-21 that goodness is the key to overcoming evil. So the next time some one hits you with a verbal zinger. Remember to delay your response. It will allow time for your brain to follow Christ's example vice human nature.
When we are injured, physically or emotionally, our natural human tendency is to lash out. Remember the last time you struck your thumb with a hammer? An immediate response was on the tip of your tongue! Were you angry? O, yeah! And the same applies when we are hurt emotionally by someone's words. Our immediate reaction is to lash back with equally stinging words. However, Paul warns us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" Easier said than done sometimes.
But let's look at Solomons advice closely. Did he say to not get angry? No, as a matter of fact we all get angry; including Jesus (Mark 3:5)! But we need to follow our Master's example: he did not utter epitaphs or belittle them, rather he chose to say nothing at all. What restraint! However, if we could just pause briefly, what a difference it would make in our response to such situations! Solomon advises to use a soft answer. One that defuses the situation. Not a huge can of gasoline to make the situation explode. No, a soft answer that redirects the pain of stinging words.
Are we still angry with the individual that hurt us? Absolutely. However, Paul advises us in Romans 12:20-21 that goodness is the key to overcoming evil. So the next time some one hits you with a verbal zinger. Remember to delay your response. It will allow time for your brain to follow Christ's example vice human nature.
