“A soft answer turns away wrath
A harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Jeremy and I are asking the Lord to change our hearts in this area. We have been made aware by the Spirit that when we are impatient and speak harshly to our children or one another it only produces anger in the other person. When I think of being spoken harshly to it produces feelings of rebellion and a wall goes up between myself and that other person. As I was dwelling on this I realized that this is not what I want for my relationships with Nate, Lela, Justin and CJ.
More from God’s Word:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12
“The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-21
In light of these Scriptures we are asking the Holy Spirit to grant us self-control…to cry out to Him when we are tempted to be frustrated and speak harshly. We want to take these opportunities to instruct and teach and train in the midst of everyday life instead of speaking harsh word to try to change their behavior only. Our goal as parents is to develop solid relationships of trust with our children, living out the Gospel before them in such a way that it will draw them to the Savior. May we lift Him up as our only Salvation so that many might be drawn to Him…especially our children.
Longing for Heaven,
Mindy