Soft answers

Hello everyone,

How are you doing? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Happy happy happy new month. May this month be a truly blessed one for you and yours in Jesus name, amen.

Primary Text

“when we are slandered, we answer kindly…” 1 Corinthians 4v13 (NIV)

“Being defamed, we intreat:…” 1 Corinthians 4v13 (KJV)

“We appeal gently when evil things are said unto us…” 1 Corinthians 4v13 (NLT)

“When we are slandered and defamed, we [try to] answer softly and bring comfort….” 1 Corinthians 4v13 (AMP)

Haven spoken in verse 12 that “… When men revile us [wound us with an accursed sting], we bless them. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it” 1 Corinthians 4v12 (AMP), Paul continues saying, when they are slandered and defamed, they try to answer softly. It might seem hard to do so, especially when we believe we’ve been hurt or our pride has been affected. But the Bible tells us that “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 20v3 (NLT) also says “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” Beloved, also remember the bigger picture. It’s not about us, so even in this, let God be glorified. Let’s not think of the slanders, persecutions, reviling on account of our faith – answer gently, and pray for the person.

Supplementary Text

“Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous – with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5v10-12 (AMP)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for all that You are to us. Thank You for Your kindness to us. We pray that when we are defamed or slandered we will answer gently and also bring comfort in Jesus name, amen.