A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:1-2
Patient and forbearing Lord Jesus, as with every other Scripture, so these words immediately make me think of you. There’s no one more filled with kindness and gentle answers than you. Even when I rush into your presence with demands dressed up like questions… arrogance pretending to be confusion… clinched fists rather than raised hands… you remain unnerved, non-defensive and ever so welcoming. Jesus, you are so very much not like me… and I am so very glad.
You’re firm with me, but are never ever harsh. You don’t have to be because you never get irritated… you don’t have any insecurities… you don’t fear losing an argument. Jesus, you’re not into “saving face,” but saving me. When I respond in anger to your wooing, warnings and wisdom, that’s all about me. For there’s nothing about you that justifies any other response from me but humility, gratitude and submission.
Lord Jesus, I’m so glad Lent is about repentance and faith in you, and not penance and work done by me. As we get closer and closer to holy week, let your cross get bigger and bigger in my gaze. For if I had to atone for all the ways I misuse my tongue… if I had to finance redemption to pay for my poor stewardship of words… if I thought I had to, somehow or another, gentle my own heart… I would surely despair.
Jesus, only you gush with words of life, and never the drivel of folly. So come, by the Holy Spirit, and “gush” the gospel to my heart all day long. For out of the abundance of a grace-transformed heart will come the gentle words I so long to speak to your glory, and for the edification of others. So very Amen, I pray, in your ever-so-glorious name.
