STEPS TO PEACEMAKING 4 - REACT WITH A SOFT ANSWER
Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Men, as the children of God we are call to be peacemakers. However, we cannot minister the peace of God when our emotions are not held in check. Do not even think for a moment that any good thing can come out of an angry, accusative spirit.
It is important to calm yourself down and take control of your angry emotions when disciplining your children. In the same way, it is just as important when dealing with your spouse, a friend, or church member, etc.
I am not saying there is not a place for righteous indignation as it was with Jesus when He cleansed the temple (John 2:15). We are also exhorted in Ephesians 4:26: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” It is appropriate to be angry and upset over injustice and flagrant abuse of God’s grace and holiness. However, because of our fallen nature and all of its subtlety, we had better be sure that our anger is righteous anger.
Immediately after the words: “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath,” it states: “Neither give place to the devil.” If we do not quickly get our anger in check we give opportunity for the devil to make things far worse than they are.
Watch your body language--pointing the finger, screwing up your face, glaring angrily with your eyes, shouting, screaming, and yelling. None of these things belong to the children of God who are peacemakers.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
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