A Gentle Answer Leaves No Regrets

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.  (2 Corinthians 7:8–11, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Rather than reacting in rage or hurt to the often careless, sometimes vindictive, thoughts and feelings expressed by others, maybe a bit of introspection, a reflective looking inward, an examination of our own thoughts and feelings are in order.  Perhaps their thoughts and feelings could have been expressed in more careful and kind manner, but we our not responsible for someone else’s actions, only our own reaction.  Sometimes there may be a grain of truth buried in there somewhere that can lead to our repentance and remediation.  Maybe the manner in which the other party expressed themselves is a more of a reflection on themselves that is being projected on us. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV 1984).  Perhaps a gentle response from us might help them in their hurt and regrets.

My Advice – I think most of us are grieved at the level of incivility that we see, read and hear all too often these days.  As Jesus said in another context, “not so with you.”  We must rise above it, showing ourselves to be disciples of Christ.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17–21, NIV 1984). What a wonderful world it could be.  Maybe not lately.  But isn’t it worth the effort?  Some things we live to regret.  But not this.

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I say to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
Bright sunny days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow are so pretty in the skies
Are also on the faces of the people walking by
I see friends shaking hands saying
How do you do?
They’re really saying I love you

I see babies cry, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world

What A Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing