A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Folks say rude things for a number of reasons. Sometimes they are worried, or sick, or angry, or prideful, or often just plain selfish and arrogant. Most of that stems from insecurity. Often times they are on the defensive, ready to injure before they are injured. Whatever the reason, they are often stopped in their tracks by kindness. It is hard to continue to be rude to someone who is kind. I find it a challenge when shopping and coming upon a rude employee to see if I can make them change their tune. Just pour on the kindness. I have told the story before of the mean old women at the fabric counter of a local store. These women were just downright mean. In fact I wonder if they removed all the fabric departments in this chain of store on account of this one group of workers. They were negative, grouchy and made you want to drive 50 miles to anywhere else rather than ask them to cut fabric. It was rough. Well I picked one, and just decided to make her my friend. I prayed for her and said nice things to her every time I went in. I would ask kind questions. One day I accidently said something funny, and she actually laughed! Since then when I see her in that store in (a different dept now), I talk to her as if she is a beloved neighbor, and you know what? She is nice, very nice. She appears to be too old to even be working there anymore but I am glad every time I see her. I will be sad when she is no longer here.
So I challenge you, say something soft, and kind. And just in case you forget what soft is, I share with you one of my daughter’s latest babies. Isn’t he cute? And soft?
be blessed on this incredibly beautiful day! I know we are having very strange weather but every day with Jesus is beautiful!
The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse! You can join myself and others at the Internet Cafe Devotions !
and .. your thoughts?