Written by Abby Caymol | Sep 16, 2023

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. –Proverbs 15:1 NIV

I always believe what Proverbs 18:21 says, “the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” For a very long time, I’ve been a Christian; my patience was extensively tested. Anger will arise when you are in the situation, and unpleasant words just want to burst out. Know that most of Jesus’s followers face the same burden daily.

It is genuinely very tempting to lash back at someone without thinking twice. Self-control seems challenging to summon. But let’s see what the Bible says in Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

There is healing in every soothing voice and kind answer to anyone. Someone may argue with you and leave a repercussion in the situation, but God grants you the spirit and strength to change the situation by your response.

When an angry answer clashes with someone’s pride, nothing will be suitable for each of them. We should remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit propels our response with healing words that prompt forgiveness of the offense.

When your words and actions are calm and steadfast, good things happen.

Our response has the power to change the move of the situation for good.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GENTLENESS

Soft answer

We cannot deny that sweetness in every calm response gives our hearts steadfastness. It provides calmness in all situations. Our spirit is unmoved from evil attacks because we keep a quiet temper during difficult situations.

Kind words

By choosing our words, we are saving ourselves from big troubles. If we allow the Holy Spirit to choose the words that will come out of our mouths, we keep ourselves from sinning to God and commotion in the situation. It is essential to give life-giving words to someone. Speak life because this is what Jesus taught us to do.

Tenderness

Kind words just don’t come with an unmoved purpose. We must show what moves inside our hearts. Let love surround our response to others seasoned with salt and deep understanding.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

–1 Peter 3:15‭-‬16 NIV

God will give you the proper judgment to discern in a Spirit-filled way. He will provide the words you will need beforehand on the day of disagreement.

Jesus will prepare you and equip you to live what you learn from Him.

Being kind to someone who mistreats you will heap burning coals on their heads. They will see the love of Jesus from your actions and how you respond to them. Do the will of God with gentleness and respect; in that way, your oppressor will find the light in Jesus’ character.

The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.