Delayed Response
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir 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.
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