A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Prov. 15:1–2
Lord Jesus, as with the rest of the Bible, this passage makes us think of you, and sends us to you for daily mercy and fresh grace. No one is more filled with kindness and gentle answers than you. Your tongue is wiser and more healing that anyone’s. You never “pour out folly,” but you constantly pour your love into us hearts by the Holy Spirit, as you drive the truth of the gospel deeper into our hearts.Even when we rush into your presence with demands dressed up like requests, stubbornness pretending to be confusion, or clenched fists rather than raised hands, you remain compassionate and ever so welcoming.
You are firm with us but never harsh, engaged, but never irritated; always patient, but never a pushover. You never respond to us with anger or defensiveness, because you’re not into “saving face,” but saving us. All your rebukes for us are life-giving and heart-liberating. Thank you, very much.
When we ignore your wooings, or act immature in response to your warnings, we simply show how little of the gospel we’re believing in the moment. For there’s nothing about you that justifies any other response from us but humility, gratitude, and submission.Jesus, we’re so glad Advent is about waiting for you, and not “getting our act together.” As we get closer and closer to Christmas, may your manger and cross grow bigger and bigger. If we had to atone for all the ways we misuse our attitudes and words, or finance our own redemption, or gentle our own hearts, we’d surely despair. So very Amen we pray with gratitude and worship, in your ever-so-glorious and kind name.
