Have you ever had an angry neighbor show up at your front door? My friend, Sallie, did and her response was priceless.
Sallie had recently moved into a new home and neighborhood. Several large limbs from a neighbor’s tree hung over her back fence. They looked like they needed to be trimmed so Sallie consulted a tree surgeon.
Acting on the advice of the tree surgeon, she approached her neighbors to explain the situation. The woman of the household gave Sallie a verbal agreement to do whatever was necessary.
When the tree trimming day arrived, and workmen began to cut the limbs, the neighbor’s husband was furious. Unfortunately, his wife hadn’t told him about the tree-trimming.
He marched out to confront the workers, who referred him to Sallie.
Can you imagine Sallie’s surprise when her irate neighbor appeared at her front door?
In the midst of this frightening encounter, God brought to her mind Proverbs 15:1. It says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Sallie’s response is one we all can learn from. She said,
“Oh, I am so sorry. There must be some misunderstanding…I need a neighbor a lot worse than I need the tree work done.”
How could he stay angry after that?! The answer helped to calm the situation, and together they found a solution. The neighbor apologized and a relationship began to develop that day. Truly a gently answer can work miracles!
When I first began to read and study the Bible, I considered it great literature. And it is. I found it a fascinating historical record, but the Bible is so much more. By studying God’s Holy Word, I’ve come to appreciate it for the wonderful ways it speaks to every dimension of life.
In each aspect of my life—every decision, every relationship, every problem—the Bible has something to say. It instructs me on what to do and how to have healthy attitudes. That’s why I read the Bible every day. I consult it constantly. When I do, I understand God’s way.
Read the Bible every day. Commit it to memory. Like with Sallie, the Holy Spirit will bring it to mind when you need it!
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” -Philippians 4:5
By Vonette Bright
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