Speaking Gentle or Harsh???

Today’s Scripture:

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

Well, today’s scripture pretty much says it all, EH?  I have seen this particular scripture two different places today, so I figured God was maybe trying to tell me something.  And yes, I have been known to speak a harsh word or two; just ask my daughter or husband.  But why is it easier to often speak harshly than gently?  Is it the influence of our society we live in?  Are we just getting desensitized to abrupt harsh communication, and it has become commonplace?  It is quite possible, in my opinion that is.  If you watch TV, especially reality TV, harshness is the rule and not the exception.  Not to mention, just as scripture says, it DOES stir up anger in the one at the other end.  Gentle words create calm, less stressful results for both parties involved and is clearly the best!  What I find, is we are so used to loud and obnoxious communication between one another these days, that I can’t even get my daughter or husbands attention with a gentle tone and volume.  They are conditioned to hearing loudness and anything less just goes unnoticed.  Pretty sad isn’t it?  So how can we overcome this in our homes with our families and live a life more pleasing to God?

This may need to start with a family meeting where the problem at hand is discussed and made aware to everyone involved.  Next, it will need to become a habit to speak in a gentle and lowered tone to everyone during all situations (now that is going to take some work!! And practice).  Then, I would suggest simple but important accountability tools to either reward positive communications which are desired, or a penalty for not using gentleness when speaking to someone.  Each family is different, so what may work as a reward in mine, could be useless in yours…so be creative and take thought into what will be reward/penalty – and you may need a day or two of grace period in order for everyone to begin to adjust to the new habit you are trying to form.  Oh and don’t forget, during your family meeting pray with your family aloud about why you choosing to make a change, how God will be glorified, and for strength, patience, and endurance as you move toward a more gentle and peaceful home.  I am sure the Lord will be pleased, and I feel your whole family will be pleasantly pleased when you succeed!  I will let you know how my family is doing a couple of weeks down the road, and let me tell you, it will be no easy task here in my home…beginning with ME!  It will be a time of growing for me I can assure you…I grew up in a home of yellers, so breaking that habit will be the work of God for sure!  Have a great weekend J