How Will I Respond?

Psalm 20:5

We will shout for joy when you are victorious, and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.

A response is a written or verbal reaction.

Photo by Maggie Wickline Jowers

In January, I chose "response" as my word for the year. I'm in deep with this word; honing appropriate answers, pausing before I spew a reply. Recently, I spilled my guts over something, when I should have backed up and evaluated my words a bit more. (Actually, that's happened more than a time or two.) Once my reaction landed, I couldn't take it back.

My mom is currently in a rehab facility. After a hospital stay, she was moved to a great place where the people are caring and kind. Yet, if I see something I think needs addressed, I find myself at the nurses' station asking questions. Not a bad thing, right? Not at all, as long as I keep my mouth in check. 

God urges me to be kind even when I'm fired up.

God gifted humans with emotion. He created us with feelings that enhance communication. He also gave us a guide for our reactions to each other. Galatians 5:22-23 shares a beautiful list of positive responses. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." I need to sprinkle these God-given emotions and characteristics throughout my responses.

As a believer in Jesus, he asks us to show the world who he is. Let's share the gospel by responding with God's love.