♕ Today's Promise: "Gentle answer turns away anger, but a sharp word causes anger. The tongue of the wise uses much learning in a good way, but the mouth of fools speaks in a foolish way." Proverbs 15:1-2
Words of Encouragement
Dear brother
How many times have you heard it said that we as men have problems communicating? We don’t articulate our thoughts very well, and we have problems relating when you get into groups? We only do shallow superficial “sports and weather conversations” or we tend to leave a lot of things unsaid. Personally, I have found that my wife’s assertion that my communication is poor is right. I tend to simmer a lot on matters and then get aggressive and angry. Can you relate to this? Paul was very respectful to the Romans when he spoke to them. This is a skill we need to learn! Paul was respectful and polite even though he was the one who was wronged.
Acts 26: 1-4 (CET)
Agrippa told Paul, “You may now speak for yourself.”
Paul stretched out his hand and said:
King Agrippa, I am glad for this chance to defend myself before you today on all these charges that my own people have brought against me. You know a lot about our religious customs and the beliefs that divide us. So I ask you to listen patiently to me.
You’ve heard a gentle answer turns away wrath, have you ever seen the police arrest anybody? I’ve had the misfortune of seeing one such thing. When the maniac was screaming, the police did not come in guns blazing, they came with smiles, open palms, and low voices seeking to understand what was going on from the perpetrator. They explained what he had done wrong and why he had to go with them. After they attempted to place him into the vehicle (as he was under arrest) he refused to cooperate and at that point was swiftly taken down to the ground and handcuffed. I am getting to the point that even the world knows that a gentle answer turns away wrath. The police in this situation knew. When you are going to enter difficult conversations, make sure that your speech does not cause quarrels.
Proverbs 15:1-2
Gentle answer turns away anger, but a sharp word causes anger. The tongue of the wise uses much learning in a good way, but the mouth of fools speaks in a foolish way.
Proverbs 17: 14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
I know you have been wronged, likewise I know you have been offended but do not dig yourself into a hole like I used to. Be gentle with your words, be measured with what you’re trying to achieve, agree with your adversary. Let your words be sweet like honey, let them draw people in because you are full of the Holy Spirit as you are open and warm and friendly.
~ Tad RESTORED in Australia
If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to read my testimony and then my wife's encouragement.