The power of life, the power of death. The power is in the tongue. The choice of which to employ resides in our hearts.
The power of life-
A gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1a)
Wow. How many times have I been the blessed recipient of this! A husband who responds with gentle kindness diffuses anger. A customer service representative who listens without interrupting and says "I am sorry for the problem" unruffles frayed nerves. A Mommy who speaks softly, though firmly, calms a distraught child. A friend who replies to our outrage with peaceful empathy can prepare our hearts to hear the (gentle) truth a bit later.
A gentle answer. Notice that Scripture doesn't say "a correct answer". Being "right" isn't always best. Being gentle is.
A gentle answer. I think that God is helping us understand that ignoring another's wrath isn't an option. Answer it. Just do it gently. "No response" isn't a gentle answer. It can sound like harsh words.
A gentle answer. The power of life.
The power of life-
A gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1a)
Wow. How many times have I been the blessed recipient of this! A husband who responds with gentle kindness diffuses anger. A customer service representative who listens without interrupting and says "I am sorry for the problem" unruffles frayed nerves. A Mommy who speaks softly, though firmly, calms a distraught child. A friend who replies to our outrage with peaceful empathy can prepare our hearts to hear the (gentle) truth a bit later.
A gentle answer. Notice that Scripture doesn't say "a correct answer". Being "right" isn't always best. Being gentle is.
A gentle answer. I think that God is helping us understand that ignoring another's wrath isn't an option. Answer it. Just do it gently. "No response" isn't a gentle answer. It can sound like harsh words.
A gentle answer. The power of life.