"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels." (Prov.15:1)This one I did NOT want to write about! This one hits way too close to home! How many times have I spoken a harsh word and regretted it?? I can't begin to count!! I am married to a strong and independent man... the clash comes because I am also a strong and independent woman!!
This much I DO know... a gentle response ALWAYS changes the course of the conversation. Ask my husband! I am working hard to change my responses when they are harsh... I have begun to really intensely dislike that word... harsh!
There are times when I even feel justified in giving the wrong kind of response... after all... HE IS WRONG!!
NOPE... not what God says for me to do... and He is very clear about it!
I have seen over and over, in my own home, when I intentionally give a gentle answer... it enriches and blesses my heart. I have also seen how quickly my husband notices... it blesses his heart too.
I can tell you... in my 'quiet and sincere' voice... God always blesses when I tone down a hasty retort, and give a quiet response... always!!... My husband loves it, I am happy, and the whole mood changes!
... By the way... I had my husband read this one before I posted it... I got a big smile and a 'thumbs up!'...
14 comments:
of course you did! this is such a good word to
every woman, because it applies to all aspects
of life.
i have a grocery checker who 'tries' me. :)
an email is heading your way about the billy
graham home.
blessings,
lea
I have an urgent prayer request at arise 2 write.
andrea
Thumbs up from me too. I'm struggling like you do, and as late as yesterday I lost where I easily could have conquered.I have "downsized" from using language to slamming doors, its wrong anyway. My hubby only too well knows what lies behind, and I know that he knows, that's why I'm doing it. My dad used to ad another quote from the proverbs,"He who can master his tongue, is mightier than he who besieges a whole city." (Simultaneous translation)
I'm 60, time I got a little wisdom into my head, and some victories for my soul..
I keep reading the Billy Graham book about angels. It's so inspiring. I always knew Mr. Graham was a great revival preacher. However, it slipped me that he was filled with that much wisdom.
I think I wouldn't have bought the book, if you hadn't brought his name up in one of your recent posts.
I remain thankful.
Precious friend,
I have missed my visits with you during my time off line. I am so glad I have returned to the sharing of your heart and the wisdom of GOD's word!!
HIS Word is sometimes what I call, "tight" in other words, "ouch" but it's always a GREAT and valuable lesson and one we all need. Amen?! Amen!
You said it best with this statement: "This much I DO know... a gentle response ALWAYS changes the course of the conversation."
May we all remind ourselves through the counsel of the Holy Spirit to speak words that heal and edify and when we're in flesh may we be silent in all situations so that we will be GOD-HONORING. Amen!!! I love you much. You are a dear friend Sonja. I have found myself speaking of you.
LOVE this and so true...from another independent, strong-willed woman, who wants to be tempered by the Holy Spirit.
My husband has been blessed by reading my post first also. It allows me to make sure I haven't passed my boundaries...and they get the blessings.
Good words for the week...especially after some young adult children's calls this morning. :)
Janette
Sonja, I'm giving you a thumbs up too!
Somehow I just can't picture you being harsh though. Everything about you is kind and loving as far as I'm concerned sister. However, I realize we're not together 24/7 like we are with our husbands.
But I've found that as I'm also a strong and independent woman married to a strong and independent man ...there are those times for us too!
It is true that when I respond in a kinder and less harsh way Greg responds so much better and will often listen to me. :)
I love your bits and pieces. Did you know that you are mentoring us women with your posts? I love it.
Love you,
Debbie
This is a reminder I need also! Thanks and God bless you.
Stick an arrow through my heart or hit me over the head with a 2 by 4. I needed to hear this one, friend. I'm a strong-headed, not afraid to speak her mind, kind of woman. My husband is so gentle, which makes him an easy target for me. I need to learn this.
peace~elaine
Sonja, thanks for the wonderful reminder. At times I have bite marks on my tongue so as not to say the first thing I feel like saying when provoked.
I really appreciate your honesty. I appreciate the fact that you share your struggles, and the promised solution from God's way. And, I like that your husband read your post first. What a beautiful lady you are...mistakes and all.
I'm so glad you allowed yourself to be transparent here. Sometimes we all go around thinking everyone else is perfect, and we're painfully not. Thanks for keeping it real...
:)
This is so very true. I have a tendacy to quickly criticize and judge. Not always having to say harsh words, but just by my demeanor can display harshness. Thanks for sharing Sonja! Blessings.
hi sonja! hans took the fox and hound photos!
HOWEVER, i am learning and will post a couple
of my own on friday. i'm using this very sophis-
ticated technique called 'the blur."
Thanks for sharing Sonja, your posts are always a blessing!
Gwen:)
xo
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