Proverbs 15:1

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

Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and our anger, like any other emotion, can flare up quickly. It is like a burning flame within us, and it just has to explode. The problem with anger is that one word can lead to another, and before we know it we have left damage behind, sometimes hard to repair damage. This is unrighteous anger, which usually stems from jealousy or greed, or pride. Righteous anger stems from injustice, and often needs following up. Righteous anger changes wrongs into rights, unrighteous anger destroys rights. For this type of anger, a gentle answer is the diffuser. Kindness, tenderness and empathy can help the one in front of you become calm and weaken his or her passion to the level where talking can begin. Essentially, this is where the situation stems from – lack of communication. Where and when communication breaks down, emotions arise to the out-of-control stage. We have to learn to talk through what is in our heart before it escalates. We always have someone to talk things over with when we come in prayer. Jesus is always ready to listen. We also need to talk to each other. And we need to know how to speak, so remember, there is a blessing in being a peacemaker!

Devotion by Pastor Julia