Choose Gentleness, Not Defensiveness

[Choose Gentleness, Not Defensiveness](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Current Teaching Series [The Keys to a Blessed Life](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Listen to Today's Broadcast](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Choose Gentleness, Not Defensiveness](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) By Rick Warren — July 6, 2019 [Facebook](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Twitter](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Pinterest](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Email](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Devotional image from Rick Warren](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). Have you noticed that human beings have a tendency to mimic other people’s emotions—especially if we’re sitting right across the table from them? The reason we do this is because of mirror neurons in our brains that allow us to sympathize and to mirror what other people feel. For instance, if somebody gets angry with you, you get angry back. If somebody is really miserable and you hang around that person long enough, you get miserable, too. In the same way, when people raise their voice against you, you usually raise your voice back. Then they raise their voice higher. Then you raise your voice higher. Then pretty soon things have escalated, and your emotions are out of control. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). Let me give you a little tip that will save you a lot of heartache and conflict: When other people raise their voice, lower yours—in your marriage, in your parenting, in your friendships, and at work. That’s called strength under control. Gentleness defuses conflict. It de-escalates anger. Here’s a good verse you’re going to need someday—maybe even this week. Ecclesiastes 10:4 says, “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes” (NLT). When your boss rips into you or your spouse speaks loudly in anger, you need to realize it may not have anything to do with you. Instead of getting defensive, practice gentleness. Let your gentle answer disarm the other person and defuse the situation. [PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Talk About It - What is your normal reaction to raised voices, such as when your kids are misbehaving or you’re having a disagreement with your spouse or close friend? - Why do you think responding in gentleness rather than anger is so disarming? Why does it get people’s attention? - Look for ways to practice gentleness this week. How do people react when you respond to them with gentleness? You may even want to record your efforts and their effect and share it with your small group. [Facebook](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Twitter](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Pinterest](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Email](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) 6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r [Get The Keys to a Blessed Life Study Kit when you give a gift to support Daily Hope](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Everyone wants to be blessed in life. But how can we live in such a way that invites God’s blessings? Join Pastor Rick as he helps you experience all of God’s blessings in your everyday life with his Keys to a Blessed Life study kit. This 6-session DVD and study guide explores practical steps you can take today that will lead to a life God can bless abundantly. [LEARN MORE](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) 6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r [Complete Audio Series (Purchase)](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Includes 8 full-length teaching CDs from Pastor Rick's series The Keys to a Blessed Life. [LEARN MORE](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) 6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r [Series Summary](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Message 1: It Depends on Who You Depend On Message 2: How God Blesses Broken Hearts Message 3: The Strength of Gentleness Message 4: Why You Need to Stay Hungry Message 5: Your Ministry of Mercy Message 6: God Blesses a Heart of Integrity Message 7: How to Reconcile a Relationship Message 8: Handling Oppostion to Your Faith [PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Pastor Rick Warren [Facebook](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r)[Twitter](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Instagram](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) [Linkedin](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) Enjoy today's Devotional? 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Pastor20th Rick created [The PEACE Plan](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r) to address the five global giants—spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, disease, and illiteracy—through the power of ordinary people in the local church. His Daily Hope broadcast and daily devotionals are offered around the world. You can listen to the broadcast or sign up for the free devotionals at [PastorRick.com](6X7twfYDN:m:1:2618166767:FCA010F81A52DDB986CADC9F15B505B4:r). This devotional © 2019 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link below. This message was intended for: {EMAIL} You were added to the system December 23, 2016. [Unsubscribe](