Day 4 - Week 51 - Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."

Do you ever wonder why we have so much anger and violence in our world today?  Some people say we really don't have any more, it's just that our increased exposure to media makes us so much more aware.  But I would argue that in 2012 we encounter a much higher percentage of violence and outbursts of pure anger than ever before.  Why do you think that is?

Could part of the problem be all of the very harsh words that are being blasted throughout every aspect of our lives?  Every where we turn, people are shouting obscenities and yelling derogatory names.  Do you ever grow weary of it all and long to return to a calmer, more gentle time?  I think we all do.

So what can we do?  Well here's my challenge to you straight from the Word of God.  See how long you can go without using any harsh words, any yelling, restricting anything coming out of your mouth that is less than calm, controlled, and contains at least a hint of gentleness.  (Now don't go overboard with a false effect, I really don't want all of us talking like Mr. Rogers all of the time!)  Let's see what the effect has within our homes, within our work places...could it be that our gentleness provokes an expanded area of reduced tension?  That the people around us will start feeling a lessening of tension and hostility.

Could it just be that God's Word has a word for our society...borrowing a phrase from the 80s, "STOP the insanity!"  Stop your ridiculous treatment of each other by the words that are blasting our of your mouths...words of harshness, crudeness and just plain meanness!

OK - you've been challenged!  So have I.  Let's see how this experiment plays out.  And maybe, just maybe, we'll see such a change within us and all around us that it will become our lifestyle, a lifestyle that brings with it peace and calm...now wouldn't that be something that a good Father would want for His children?

(And please, if you don't know who Mr. Rogers is, don't tell me.  I already feel old enough!)  :)

Day 3 - Week 51 - Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."

"Grievous words stir up anger as certainly as an effect follows its cause....For the moment they seem to be smart and spirited, betraying a dignified temper and a haughty courage, but in reality, they are nothing more than proofs of littleness, spitefulness, chagrin, or other emotion lying on the same degraded line."  Joseph Parker

Wow - Mr. Parker (an English preacher and theologian who died in 1902) just ripped right out from underneath us any justification for using "grievous" words, didn't he?  With his admonition ringing in our ears it's impossible to rationalize our use of scathing or hurtful words because we "needed to make a point" and that was the only way to do it. 

There is always a better, more Christ-like way, to address people than by using words that may reside with them the rest of their lives.  When we belittle, degrade or otherwise humiliate someone, we have no idea the effect that our words may have on their life, but we know that at the very least somewhere in the recesses of their subconscious, a serious chip has been inflicted on their self-image.  A chip that may be added to several other chips they have received, now making a fairly large gash.

Our words to others are to be chosen carefully, because they represent to that person who we really are.  If the person we have treated disrespectfully is not a Christian, how can we ever hope to go back to that person and successfully talk to them about the love of Jesus and the change He has made in our lives?  They are most likely never going to be able to get past the picture that they already have of us...and it is not anything that they want to be like.  So the now important words of life that we are ready to share will be drowned out by our previous words of rebuke.

The power of our words are very often underestimated...and as I am sitting here typing this, I am reminded that this applies to words in all forms, verbal and written.  In this age of electronic conversation, we need to be strongly reminded that the quick text, e-mail or facebook post that we think is a great comeback, may just be a "grievous word", and all it is doing is stirring up a pot of wrath. 

Thanks, Mr. Joseph Parker, for your strong rebuke of our tendency to try to get away with words of harshness. 

Day 2 - Week 51 - Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."

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. 

Day 1 - Week 51 - New week, new verse!

This past week's verse is one that really did stick...I think I've got Proverbs 1:7 firmly in my heart...as I said, maybe it should have been our very first verse since it's instruction is so very foundational.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Now time to move on...we're on the second half of the trail...it will go quickly, the second half always does!  What is our vantage point where we are today?  Look at this beautiful view...it's the spot right between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap.  Isn't that a site to behold? 

It makes you realize that no matter how great the trip has been so far, there is always something amazing just ahead...God is ready to always show us something new and beautiful when we keep our eyes open, along with our hearts!

So let's look back, and then let's see what God is ready to show us today!

Promises of God (10)

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

And our last verse in our section of Obedience...we stay in the book of Proverbs for another nugget of God's wisdom:

Proverbs 15:1  "A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."

That's a great verse to wrap up a section...and a great verse to add to our hearts.