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Minister's Minute: Save yourself grief?

Proverbs 21: 23 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. We have all been misunderstood. We get frustrated by wrong judgments, and decisions that are based on wrong information.
Andreas Basson rev2
Andreas Basson

Proverbs 21:23 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.

We have all been misunderstood. We get frustrated by wrong judgments, and decisions that are based on wrong information. Yet often, it’s these moments that are some of our most defining, not because of what was said, but because of our response. I was told a few day ago I drive like a “moron” because I stuck to the speed limit. I was tempted to waste my time with a response, but I refrained.

Jesus never wasted words on worthless arguments. When his disciples were rejected, he told them to stay silent and move on. Jesus was teaching them how to save the fight for what matters and to leave conversations that will never further his kingdom.

The hardest time to be quiet is when you have every reason to have your say, but think of it this way…will my response heal or hurt this situation? Will it make the situation better? Who’s in charge of my response right now, my anger or my faith?

As hard as it can be, sometimes the best response is no response. Just let it go.

Trust God, instead of stress. Save your words for those who will hear your heart and see what’s true. Don’t allow a wrong judgement to drive you to justify yourself. Instead, continue to be a blessing. Show kindness, be gracious, forgive, respect others and love like nobody is watching. Enjoy life!