Read: Proverbs 27:3
Proverbs 27:3 says that provocation by a fool is heavier than stone and sand. It can be hard to resist the temptation to engage in the battles others try to wage with us.
A family member was arguing with me about Jesus. She taunted my faith and claimed it couldn’t be real because “all Christians are hypocrites.” I agreed that all Christians mess up. We are human, after all. But I couldn’t get her to understand the relationship of grace and mercy we have with Jesus. She did everything she could to provoke me into arguing with her.
I was angry, frustrated and disappointed. I wanted to react with those emotions. I wanted to prove her wrong and convince her to change her ways, but I knew that would only cause anger, bitterness and more frustration. I had to choose to spare the argument for the sake of the relationship. Also, I had to believe that prayer for her heart change and the example of my reaction to her continual mockery will be the avenue the Lord chooses to reach her.
Ephesians reminds us not to sin in our anger, and James 1:19-20 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” We cannot expect people who don’t know Jesus to interact with us as if they do. Instead, we must remember to control our own reactions and be a reflection of Jesus.
