Power In The Response

Year 8-Day 158: Today, I am grateful there is power in the response.

This ties into one of my favorite coping strategies. When hard things happen, we can't control the event. We have to learn to control our response. 

In our response, we find the power to press on. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. 

Some people enjoy pushing our buttons. Other times, we over-react to careless words spoken unintentionally. Words have been getting us trouble since the beginning of time.People have been passing the blame since the beginning, too. 

One of the most memorable responses to unfairness and injustice was Jesus walk to the cross. He didn't deserve any of it. Has was condemned without a "real trial" or any sin. He chose to take the walk anyway. 

That choice... that response... changed everything. 

And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”But Jesus remained silent. Matthew 26:62-63a 

Jesus did not always respond with silence. When he did... his self control and silence spoke volumes. It was often in the times he grew quiet that those around him began to open their hearts and their ears. His self control was other worldly. Most men have to have the last word. Of course, He was not most men... and He will indeed have the last word. 

Remember... we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. And by our "neighbors"... He meant everyone. Love means learning to control our responses. As we learn to control them, we might find some new understanding, too. 

 Today, I am grateful there is power in the response.