Always Learning: Soft Answers Turn Away Wrath

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Soft Answers Turn Away Wrath

This is a principle I have been putting into practice lately and it works! I get angry emails from readers if I delete their comments or write something they disagree with. I have tried responding in a gentle way. It has worked every single time except one. I think she was a very angry woman and didn't want to have anything to do with what I write.

People outside of this blog have gotten upset with me...family members and church members. Every time I decide to respond in a gentle way, it has worked out so beautifully. I keep reminding myself of God's principles. We are to be at peace with all men. We are called to love others. Learning to respond in a soft way is a very good thing.

The more I put God's ways into practice, the better life becomes. Since I am a teacher, I am going to be held much more accountable. I don't want to disgrace the Word of God. Am I perfect? Am I the perfect wife and mother now? NO! I never will be but I am sure a lot better than I was even a year ago. We should always be growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God and looking more like Jesus to those around us.

We gave one couple we are mentoring the word "Peace" as their word for the year. They had very little peace in their marriage when we met them. They have something they are working towards now and it is working out great. Peace in a marriage is a goal to be sought after.

Ask your family how you are doing? Are there areas you need to work on? Learning to not respond in anger and get offended isn't easy. It takes a choice to act upon God's Word and what is right instead of feelings. Don't let your feelings run your life. Let God's Word and the Holy Spirit run your life. Everyone around will benefit. And just remember, You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!

A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Comments (16)

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Erin · 679 weeks ago

I love the new look!! So pretty. :o)

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Fran · 679 weeks ago

I probably don't need to tell you that I love this post! A gentle respond can still be filled with God's truth, but it has a better chance of actually reaching the person because they aren't caught up in being offended by the method of delivery.

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Tiffany · 679 weeks ago

Great post. I have even noticed with my little children (4 and 2) that a gentle, calm response even when disciplining gives much greater results than a ranting mother. Saying something kindly changes everything! :)

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Debbie · 679 weeks ago

I tend to get angriest with Facebook comments by Christians which do not honor God at all. I repeat in my mind...refrain, refrain. I need to work on a gentler spirit. Enjoyed this post.

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Yrena · 679 weeks ago

Dear Lori, I agree! This principle (gentle answers) could be the one that saved me fromthe most horrible situation of my life. Not only did the gentle answers turn away the wrath from my opposer, but also changed my heart so I was able to truly love those who hurt me. It is not easy but well worth the effort. I think you are the one who gave me this advise some 5 years ago or so. Blessings! Yrena

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Tracy · 679 weeks ago

This post is right on the money! Being calm and speaking softly can diffuse very tense and sometimes dangerous situations. With children, I have found that my kids are more apt to listen to me and do what I say when I speak calmly and stay focused on the situation instead of yelling and dragging past mistakes into the current situation. One of my favorite sayings is "Lord, put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth!"

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Joan · 679 weeks ago

A soft word turns away wrath...that is so true! Years (and years) ago, when I used to work in a bank, I learned an important "trick". Occasionally, customers would come in and were upset over something to do with their account. When this happened, they would often get loud and angry. Their voices and demeanor would threaten to intimidate me. Anyway, I discovered that when they got louder and louder, I would get softer and softer with my words. This would ALWAYS calm them down and we could get to the bottom of the issue and find a solution. I'm not sure if it was because they had to get softer so they could hear me...or that they realized I wasn't going to fight with them...but whatever reason, the principle worked! Jesus was right on the money with this one! (He always is, isn't He?" Blessings, Joan

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Reggea · 679 weeks ago

Very well written. Yes it is a choice to let God's Word and the Holy Spirit run your whole life 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
A hard choice sometimes, but in all the times I have done this, I have never met someone who was immune for the love of Christ. That's what Jesus Christ meant with:"but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too". Turning to him the other cheek means to give so much love that that person isn't proof against to resist.

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Candace · 678 weeks ago

I just found your blog...I am so excited...love this post...definitely something I needed to hear.

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3dlessons4life 38p · 678 weeks ago

So true! Praying for His help to put it into practice.

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Rocky Mountain Woman · 678 weeks ago

I find that if I lower my voice when someone else is r aising theirs, it really tends to calm them down...

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Karen S. · 678 weeks ago

Well I can't imagine why anyone would write you angry emails, but I know from my own Facebook that there are people who just want to rant and be unhappy. Your words are wise, and hopefully your fellow bloggers here are kind and caring...you have such a lovely blog...take care! Karen

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happymrsc · 678 weeks ago

A smiling face and kind word can work wonders. I teach pre-k and work with at-risk families. I greet each family every morning with a kind word and a smile. My parents feel comfortable in our classroom because we treat them with kindness and respect, which is what everyone deserves.

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JDanaiel · 678 weeks ago

I need to work on this especially at the end of a long day.

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anita · 678 weeks ago

There is so much truth in that ... and it's so hard to do sometimes. Bridling our tongues...such a small member, with so much power..for good or for bad. Nice post. Thanks.

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Jenny Matlock · 677 weeks ago

It takes a very Special Soul to be able to respond to anger with Softness...

I agree with the method though, Sweet versus Spicy, So to Speak!

Great post for the letter "S"!

Thanks for linking.

A+

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