A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. ~ Proverbs 15:1, NLT
Our family had a house fire in January 2005. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. When I saw flames billowing around a corner; I pulled my son, Jake away from them. It was very scary. Yet, God protected us all and we escaped unharmed. In a mere minutes the flames destroyed the majority of our home. It took approximately 14 months to correct the damage of a 20 minute fire.
This house fire analogy reminded me of conflict. When I answer someone in a gentle way - it can put water on a potential "mouth" fire. Yet if I "fuel" it with a harsh word - it can take along time to repair the damage. This visual has given me another insight to how important it is to keep my words in check. I would rather put water (gently answer) on a potential fire (temper) rather than fuel it and make it worse. This then leads to restoring a broken relationship.
Now for the challenge --- to remember this the next time I encounter a potential conflict.
Lord, please help me to remember to deflect anger by using gentle answers. I really need Your help in this area of my life. Sometimes being right feels better than being humble. I desire to honor You with my mouth. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
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