Speaking Harshly

 I know we all have all kinds of emotions on a daily basis. There are things that happen which make us very frustrated. We even run into people and situations that cause us harm in one way or another. When those things happen, we are in control of how we will respond emotionally, and with our words and actions. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit in us to guide us and empower us to respond without sinning.

Rehoboam became king of Israel after his father, Solomon, died. Jeroboam came back from Egypt where he had been hiding from Solomon so he could lead the northern tribes of Israel. He asked Rehoboam to lighten up on the people, but he refused. (II Chronicles 10:13) Rehoboam spoke harshly to Jeroboam and those with him, because he had rejected the advice of the older counselors, and was harsh like the younger counselors advised. This caused the breakup of the kingdom. We can learn a valuable lesson from this.

I believe I am on very firm Biblical footing when I say that there is never a reason to speak harshly to another person or group of people. It is always a sinful response. The book of Proverbs tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1) The Book of James says that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20) Therefore, we are not to respond harshly out of anger, and we are to try to diffuse anger in others by speaking calmly. I know this seems almost impossible to some people, but it is totally possible. It is God's will.

I could go on and on with Scripture references, but just think about Jesus, our Lord. He spoke very truthfully and plainly to the Pharisees and even to His own disciples, but He never spoke harshly. He was led by the same Holy Spirit we have in us. We can always make the point we need to make by speaking the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) We must never allow bitterness or other negative emotions to drive us. We must let love drive us. Remember, we are like glasses of liquid. If we are filled with anger, we spill anger when we are shaken. If we are filled with love, we will spill out love. Therefore, we must put away all anger like God says.(Ephesians 4:31,32)

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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 11-15.