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The Lord Sees Everything
1A kind answer
soothes angry feelings,
but harsh words
stir them up.
2Words of wisdom
come from the wise,
but fools speak foolishness.
Reflect
It is an invigorating sight to watch the billowing sails on a yacht glide effortlessly through the water on a glorious summer day. Yet the boat needs more than the gentle breezes to make its journey. It also depends on the strength and stability of that which is unseen; the rudder and keel below the waterline.
The sailboat picture helps me to understand how a “gentle answer can turn away wrath” (v 1). At first glance the word “gentle” evokes softness or perhaps even weakness. But there is nothing feeble about a person who has the courage and self-control to respond with a temperate tone in the midst of anger and wrath. A gentle response reveals that this person has allowed God to help them build inner strength, wisdom and character to face the onslaught of unfairness and harshness of life.
We cannot allow our emotions to determine our responses when life is harsh and things don’t go as planned. Yes we want to breeze through life as beautiful and showy as a sailboat, but we will not overcome the storms of life and reach our destinations if we don’t build the necessary self-control and resilience deep into our soul.
Imagine how many wars would cease, and marriages would flourish if we all acquired the wisdom and power of building up our inner strength. Only God can help us achieve this. Let’s ask him.
Respond
God, forgive me for those times where I allowed my emotions to rule my mouth and I responded harshly. Dear God, help me to become more disciplined with my words and help me grow stronger in character. I can’t do this without you. Thank you that you never give up on me and you are always beside me. Amen.
Heidi McLaughlin
For over two decades Heidi has helped people find fulfillment in life through embracing God’s truth. She does this through writing and teaching the Bible, mentoring and speaking at Conferences and Retreats all across North America. Heidi has been twice widowed and has a family of 5 children and 12 grandchildren. When she is not writing or speaking she loves to golf, laugh or share a cup of coffee with her family and friends. Publications: Sand To Pearls: Making Bold Choices to Enrich your Life; Beauty Unleashed: Transforming a Woman’s Soul; Restless for More: Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places; Looking Back and Enjoying The View; Your Home, An Entry Into a Woman’s Heart Anthologies: Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider; A Taste of Hot Apple Cider, Apple Cider and Cinnamon, Chicken Soup for the Soul: "O Canada"; Sunshine Kisses for Grandmas, , The Joy of Less
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