Show Your Love by Being Gentle
By Rick Warren
“A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.” Proverbs 15:1 (GNT)
Gentleness diffuses conflict. It disarms critics. It’s persuasive. It’s attractive. And gentleness communicates love.
If you’re married, the quickest way to improve your marriage is to start talking to your spouse more gently. It’ll do wonders! How many married couples could benefit from Proverbs 15:1, which says, “A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up” (Proverbs 15:1 GNT)? Any fool can be selfish. Any fool can be rough. Any fool can be rude. But a gentle answer goes a long way.
In any marriage you’ll hurt each other emotionally many times—so a great marriage is simply the union of two great forgivers. I’ve been married to Kay for more than 40 years. I’ve hurt her so many times, and she’s hurt me so many times. But we’re both great at forgiving. That’s a part of gentleness.
Gentleness is not only the key to an effective marriage; it’s also the key to effective parenting. If you’re a parent, never discipline out of anger or frustration, but always gently and out of love. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger . . . but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (AMP).
I can honestly say to you that I never remember my father raising his voice against me growing up. Was he ever upset with me? Of course. Did I ever really blow it and give him every reason to be angry? Many, many times—almost on a daily basis! But he was a gentle man. He had strength under control, and he would not yell at me. He showed me his love through his gentle nature.
Let your gentle response do the same in your relationships.
Whether or not you’re married or have children, the principle is the same for all relationships. Remember, “A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up” (Proverbs 15:1 GNT).
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Experience a Breakthrough in Your Prayer Life!
We’ll say thanks for your gift below to help reach more people through Daily Hope by sending you the 40 Days of Prayer Scripture Cards.
These colorful, eye-catching cards will not only take your prayer life to a new level, but they’ll also help you memorize the Word of God so you have it when you need it most.
Request your 40 Days of Prayer Scripture Cards below when you give—and thank you for helping share the hope of Jesus Christ with people here and around the world!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
