A Gentle Answer Changes Everything
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Have you ever been in a conversation where frustration rose in your body faster than you could process what was happening?
Sometimes our bodies respond before our minds have a chance to catch up. Our hearts race, our shoulders tense, and our words sit on the edge of our tongues before we've even thought through what we want to say.
As Christians, we have access to God and His Holy Spirit as our Helper. When frustration rises, we can recognize it as a signal to slow down, pause in prayer, and trust God to guide us forward.
Recently, God used a simple moment with my three-year-old to remind me just how much our responses matter.
I was overwhelmed and let out one of those deep sighs that seems to escape before you even realize it's happening. You know the kind. Immediately, my three-year-old looked at me and asked, "Mama, what happened?"
Motherhood is sanctifying.
Having two little boys has given me eyes to see things in my own life that may not be harmful, but certainly aren't habits I want my children repeating. It's interesting how we can excuse certain behaviors in ourselves, yet immediately recognize them when we see our children imitating them.
In that moment, I looked at my son and said, "Mama got overwhelmed, and it came out as frustration. I think I need to take a deep breath. Don't you? Deep breaths help us pause and move forward better." He continued to let out the sweetest attempt at a deep breath.
So often I slip into "what's best for them" mode, only to realize that what's best for them is often exactly what God knows is best for me too.
When we feel frustration, it can become a gracious signal that something in our hearts needs God's attention. Rather than rushing into a conversation, we can run to the Father first and return when we've gained perspective.
Rarely does anything good come from engaging while we're operating out of frustration. Frustration is a poor guide for healthy conversations, but God's Spirit is a faithful one.
When frustration begins to rise, we have a choice. We can allow it to lead our words and reactions, or we can allow it to lead us into God's presence first.
There is power in responding with grace instead of reacting in frustration.
Grace when frustration is expected is heavenly. It's foreign to this world, just as our faith should be. When others expect irritation and receive gentleness instead, they catch a glimpse of something different. They catch a glimpse of Jesus.
After all, Jesus never responded to us with frustration when we were slow to understand, quick to wander, or in need of His correction. He met us with grace, patience, mercy, and love. The more time we spend with Him, the more His gentleness begins to shape our own responses.
May we be women who pause before speaking, run to the Father before reacting, and allow His gentleness to flow through us into every conversation.
How have my words influenced the spaces around me?
Where might God be inviting me to choose gentleness in my response today?
-Britt Goff, Wheatful Wednesday
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