Controlling How You React

Controlling How You React

Although you cannot control how people act, you can control how you react. When offensive situations arise, they can become your opportunity to shine! You can literally make the decision that regardless of the way others act, you will not allow them to offend you. Furthermore, you can be surrounded by an atmosphere of strife and contention and be the only person who remains totally free from their influence.

You have probably worked in an environment where everyone in the office, in the field, or in management was mad most of the time. Perhaps you have worked at a company where people said cruel things to one another, obviously disliking each other. Maybe you innocently asked someone to help you, and they refused.

By the power of the Spirit of God, you can endure in any type of unpleasant environment and yet remain undisturbed by it. It's even possible to be surrounded by rude or hateful people and still maintain your joy. You might think that's impossible, but it isn't. However, to live free from the influence of the world, you must do something. You must make a decision. If you want to live free from the circumstances around you, you must decide that you are not going to become offended.

I am by no means suggesting that you are supposed to pretend that offense or hurtful words don't exist. That's only denial. And the old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is not true. Words do have the power not only to hurt but also to destroy. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." However, anyone who refuses to receive hurtful, destructive words cannot be harmed by them.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says, "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil." Is it actually possible to be angry and not sin? Yes, if you get angry but refuse to react. Then again, this verse says that if you do get angry without resolving it before you go to bed, you have sinned.

Ask the Holy Spirit today to help you be unaffected by the offensive ways of others. Don't be among those who refuse to control their reactions. Instead, draw on self-control, one part of the fruit of the Spirit.