From; Brenda Walsh Ministries
Hold Your Tongue
Some people are so miserable that they want everyone around them to be miserable too. All their frustration and anger is directed at anyone who gets in their path which causes those in close proximity to walk on eggshells. It’s challenging encountering crusty people out in the world, but having a family member or friend who is bitter, unhappy, and constantly trying to start an argument is even more stressful and difficult to deal with. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to attend every argument you are invited to or respond in the same negative way. Conflict cannot survive when only one person participates. The best way to fight is on your knees and let God fight the battle for you. Psalm 37:8-9 tells us, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” No matter who the enemy puts in your path to step on your last nerve, choose to be kind. Your decision says a lot about your character and who you are. More importantly, it reflects “who” you belong to. We’re told in James 1:19-20, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Of course it’s not easy to be calm when someone is deliberately trying to start an argument, especially when they know all the right buttons to push that could easily send you down “Anger Avenue.” You may be tempted to retaliate by being defensive and striking back, but the Bible says in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” so send up an urgent prayer for strength and courage to act in a Christ-like way, and . . . hold your tongue. Text: Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 15:8, James 4:1-2, Ecclesiastes 7:9