A Gentle Answer

The other day I went to the convenience store to buy milk. I grabbed a gallon jug from the cooler and strolled to the checkout. I recognized Reggie standing behind the counter working the cash register. Several people were ahead of me in line, but I could plainly hear the argument happening at the register. A man raised his voice to Reggie and both got upset. Tempers rose and their voices got louder. Just when I figured it would get out of hand, Reggie said, “Jesus loves you, and so do I.” Instantly, the argument was over, and the two parted amicably, not as enemies.

The Bible tells us how to quell arguments, and that day at the store I saw it lived out. Reggie’s gentle answer ended the quarrel with kindness, and I hope to use this method when I’m faced with a similar situation. It takes courage and humility to respond with a gentle answer, but with God’s help and the Spirit working in us and through us, we can do it.