Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.Ecclesiastes 7:9
After writing a few days ago about responding in kindness to someone when you feel like doing otherwise, one reader suggested I expand that to include those people who are really humanly undeserving of your love. First off, let me say at times we ourselves are undeserving of Jesus' love but He still loves us warts, sins, and all. But let's say you are the victim of constant verbal abuse from either someone close or perhaps a boss. What do you do then? Pray for sure.
Maybe it would be a good time to do a word study on the words 'anger' and 'speech'. No one deserves to be beat up with words yet many people suffer this even at the hands of a spouse which should never happen. The abusers themselves may have deep rooted problems that make them respond the way they do. The bully boss who does this also may be carrying some unknown burden.
In Luke 23:24 when Jesus was being crucified, remember his words "forgive them for they know not what they do"? I mean He was being beat, spit upon, lied about, yelled at, spikes driven in his hands and feet yet he just took it. What an example for His followers. Are you able to respond this way to those who treat you ugly? Practice makes perfect. You do your part and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
PRAYER: It is so difficult to control my mouth and the words that come out of it at times. Help me have self control when it comes to emotions and over reacting to situations. Help me be at peace with my fellow man and show kindness even when someone is undeserving of it. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Becky: Thank you for this message. I needed to be reminded of the need to respond in a kind voice, rather than a strident one.
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