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Honoured Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: US
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Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
A Whisper
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs anger." - Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 15:1 is a brief passage that offers us wisdom on the impact of our words. It provides practical guidance and encourages us to live our lives aligned with God's wisdom. Throughout the book of Proverbs, we see a contrast between wise and foolish behavior, including how our speech will affect our relationships.
When reading this verse, words like calm, caring, and comfort first come to mind, followed by words like abrasive, loud, and hurtful. These are two possible paths in communication that will either turn away wrath or ignite anger.
A soft response is easily recognizable as an expression of kindness, patience, and gentleness, as found in Galatians 5:22-23 and identified as the fruit of the Spirit. This response reflects the spiritual transformation of a person's heart that instills a desire to exemplify Christ in our lives and positions us to foster understanding and reconciliation.
Jesus often exemplified this type of response. In John 8:1-11 when He was confronted with the woman caught in adultery, Jesus responded with love and compassion, in massive contrast to the Pharisees, demonstrating the power of a soft or gentle response.
On the other hand, a harsh word stirs up anger leading to conflict and divisions. The Bible often addresses the importance of guarding our speech. In James 3:5-6 we see the tongue is like a small spark that can set a forest on fire. Using careless and harsh words is ultimately destructive and harmful.
Our words have the potential to strengthen or damage relationships every day. Here are some steps to take as you demonstrate a soft response and honor Christ:
- Take a deep breath, pause, and pray
- Practice listening and empathy
- Let your words be a blessing
- Exemplify Christ
May you commit to the Lord daily that your mouth would be used as a blessing to encourage and build up others.
Pray with Me:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the words of Proverbs 15:1 that show our words have power. Lord Jesus, help us embrace the fruit of the Spirit in our responses so that we may align with You and nurture peaceful relationships. Forgive us for the places where we have failed in this area. Help us also seek out forgiveness from those we have hurt with our words. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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