Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer deflects anger

Proverbs 15:1 (New Living Translation)

 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

The word gentle here means tender, delicate, and soft. How do we respond to people? Are we led and guided by The Holy Spirit? Does the compassion and love of Christ fill us? The words we speak and the way we speak them reflect what is in our hearts.

When a person chooses to abide in Christ daily and grow in their relationship with Him, one of the aspects that is greatly impacted is how they speak and respond. It is very easy to react from our sinful nature, and as this verse says, to use harsh words. The word harsh here means hurt, strenuous work, or pain. Are our words hurtful? Is our attitude and the way we communicate with others hard and difficult to deal with?

We live in a world broken by sin. Every day, people are influenced by the powers of darkness. May we choose to glorify Christ in all things. May our words and the way we communicate bring glory to Jesus. Always remember that every difficult-to-love person has a story. They carry scars and wounds that others know nothing about. Choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus. May our words be led and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Father, help me respond in your love. Fill me today with your love and compassion. Help me see every person as you see them. Guard my heart and lips from the influence of the enemy. May my response be gentle and may you protect me from being harsh. Jesus, in everything, may you be glorified. In the name of Jesus, Amen!