Your Response Matters

Believers cannot always control what they encounter, but they can choose how they respond and should respond with wisdom, self-control, and obedience to God.

Topics

Believers should respond to difficult situations with wisdom and self-control rather than allowing anger or temptation to control their conduct.

• Difficult words or circumstances can provoke a reaction, but believers are responsible for how they respond.
• A quick and uncontrolled response can increase conflict rather than resolve it.
• Scripture connects self-control with the ability to restrain anger and respond wisely.
• Jesus provides an example of responding to opposition without being drawn into sinful behavior.
• A believer's response should be governed by God's Word rather than by the pressure of the moment.
• Responding well requires more than avoiding outward conflict; it requires bringing the heart under the rule of God's truth.

• Slow down before responding when you are angry, offended, or pressured.
• Consider whether your response will bring peace or increase conflict.
• Refuse to answer harsh words with words that deepen anger.
• Ask God for wisdom and self-control when you are being provoked.
• Let Scripture guide your response instead of allowing emotions to determine your words.
• When you respond wrongly, acknowledge it before God and make the necessary correction.