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When your emotions rise to the level of righteous indignation
over something you feel strongly about, it can be easy to act or respond
without fully thinking through the implications. If not handled with wisdom and
tact, the result may be hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and a loss of
influence.
Taking a step back allows the emotions to calm down with a clearer head and a more reasoned response. You may be fully
justified in your knee jerk response and correct in your logic but the method
or tone of communication could result in winning the argument but losing the
other person’s trust or even willingness to engage with you.
Likewise, checking the intended course of action or response
with a wise friend prior to doing anything provides perspective from
someone without the same emotional investment in the situation. As you think
through a response, read over James 3:17 and see if your response would pass
the wisdom filter laid out in the passage.
Would your words or actions qualify as pure, peaceable,
gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and sincere? If not, there’s probably
cause for reflection and re-evaluating before further steps are taken.
It should go without saying, of course, that prayer plays an
instrumental role in walking wisely. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks
wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it
will be given to him.” Take time to pray about the situation and what God would
have you do.
Even though logically and practically the way you plan to respond
may leave you in the right, He can guide you towards a more effective response
that preserves a relationship and leaves open the opportunity for future
interaction. Be cautious of allowing righteous indignation to take you down a
path that results in regret. Let wisdom and grace filter everything you
say and do and lead you to God's best.
In pursuit of His best,
Andrew
2 comments:
Great words here, Andrew. . . timely for me personally. Thanks!
Thanks John!
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