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“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” Proverbs 29:20 (ESV)

Tweet, post, chat – we have every opportunity for a quick response and we generally have no problem complying. Every notification sends us flying to a keyboard or phone as if the world can’t wait to hear what we have to say. Unfortunately, we often don’t pause or think before we release our latest response. Easy to say what appears to be appropriate in the moment until we rethink it later.

Reminded of this recently when a conversation void of face left me frustrated, confused and hurt. My go to quick response was totally self-focused and unkind. Rummaging through those written letters as if they held the power to end all – I chewed on each syllable for quite a while. How could they say that? Why didn’t they get my point? How dare they choose to ignore me…….and the list could go on for hours.

Just as I was ready to respond with an attitude, God’s Spirit halted my steps. It was brief but ever so relevant – “pause” hovered over me. Wait encompassed me. Linger before even thinking of sending out my reply resounded in my ears. God’s message was crystal clear – an invitation to reflect before I experienced the regrets later.

While pausing is not our default response – it always serves us well. A temporary delay to resist the urge to read between the lines and come up with our on conclusion prevents wounding someone else. Quick doesn’t always work best and despite popular belief, no one is sitting desperately waiting to hear what we have to say next. Silence is best if we haven’t bathed our words in prayer.

Love God’s sweet kindness in halting my steps. Thankful, I heeded His Spirit guiding me away from an endless dialogue of “me” centered words. Wish that were the case every time, but I know I’ve missed the mark more than I care to remember. Blessed by His divine intervention and protection when careless chatter would have not served me well. Note to self: Pause – reflect – respond. Best way to glorify God with all we say.

“Father, our thoughts and words are so powerful they birth life or death to those who read or hear them. Teach us to respond controlled by Your Spirit and not our own.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life