The Bible has a lot to say about what comes out of our mouths, and we'll look at some of its other admonitions through the week. I was fortunate to learn this verse at an early age, and I distinctly remember thinking, "Here's the secret to getting along with people. When they're angry, respond gently." I really do remember that thought process. How I wish I had remembered to put that thought process into action through all the following years of my life.
Looking back, I realize that many times I did fall back on these words of wisdom, and how I am thankful for those times because anger was dissipated. But there were also so many times that I responded with anything other than gentleness. There were times when arguments could have been so easily avoided with just the hint of kindness in my voice. I know there are times when raising my children that if I had responded with softness, an argument could have been reduced to a mild disagreement, and whatever point I was trying to make probably would have gone a lot farther.
My friends and I always enjoy reminding each of other of a saying we gained along the way some where..."You can't unring a bell." Once words are said, they are out there, and no matter how hard you try or may want to, you can't pull them back into your mouth. I know the times that I have responded harshly are times that I now wish I could replay and suck those angry words right back into my mouth to be replaced with words that express the gentleness of His Spirit that is living in me.
Yes - this verse is just plain, simple good advice. And it's a verse that gives us a choice in how we want our lives to be lived...either in peace or in confrontation. Let's see...what is the fruit of His Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. I think we know where He wants us to live. When His Spirit is in control, turmoil is removed, and gentleness is His expression.
Looking back, I realize that many times I did fall back on these words of wisdom, and how I am thankful for those times because anger was dissipated. But there were also so many times that I responded with anything other than gentleness. There were times when arguments could have been so easily avoided with just the hint of kindness in my voice. I know there are times when raising my children that if I had responded with softness, an argument could have been reduced to a mild disagreement, and whatever point I was trying to make probably would have gone a lot farther.My friends and I always enjoy reminding each of other of a saying we gained along the way some where..."You can't unring a bell." Once words are said, they are out there, and no matter how hard you try or may want to, you can't pull them back into your mouth. I know the times that I have responded harshly are times that I now wish I could replay and suck those angry words right back into my mouth to be replaced with words that express the gentleness of His Spirit that is living in me.
Yes - this verse is just plain, simple good advice. And it's a verse that gives us a choice in how we want our lives to be lived...either in peace or in confrontation. Let's see...what is the fruit of His Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. I think we know where He wants us to live. When His Spirit is in control, turmoil is removed, and gentleness is His expression.
1 comment:
We all want to be understood and appreciated. We want to be treated with kindness and patience. That is how Christ teaches us to treat others. Love our neighbors as we love ourself. We don't want others to be angry with us and say harsh and hurtful words to us. We need to do the same with others. We need to allow God to show us the way to respond to others in positive and kind words. This is a simple verse but it is not always simple to follow.
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