Proverbs 15:1 Devotional on Choosing Gentleness

Gentleness When You’re Irritable
Your Nightly Prayer

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” - Proverbs 15:1

SOMETHING TO PONDER

I’m in the season of motherhood where the needs are endless and the noise, well, it seems like it’s endless, too, that is, until the clock strikes 9:30 PM or someone needs me in the middle of the night. I say that with a heart of absolute gratitude to the Lord for blessing me with the very things I prayed for. However, it doesn’t mean I always have the most gentle attitude when needs and noise cross the threshold. Instead, it seems in those moments that irritation leads, and I’ve made the fruits of the Spirit more of an afterthought than a forethought. I imagine when we all hit the breaking point, we feel like a boat that’s about to go under. We start to feel a level of overwhelm that cannot possibly be contained by the flesh. And you know what, that is the truth. We all have a limit, and when it's reached, we have a choice. Do we walk in the Spirit and allow what we know to be true to shape the way we respond? Or do we retreat to the way we have always reacted?

It's safe to say we will all do both. We will have moments that show spiritual maturity, only to be reminded down the road how much work still needs to be done in our lives. A favorite example of mine in scripture, when we think about our lack of gentleness in the way we react, is Peter cutting off the man's ear. Peter was in the presence of Jesus and reacted in the most fleshly manner. He was pushed to the limit; he was angry, upset, overwhelmed, and had taken over him(Luke 22:47-51).

Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Perhaps you’re reading that and thinking there is no way you can respond gently when you feel irritated, disrespected, or overlooked. I struggle with this, too. Then I think of all the people of God who have gone before me. Those who walked and talked with Jesus, and those who have walked and talked with me as they journey out their faith, all faced things in their lives that called for a not-so-gentle response, but they, out of their commitment to the Lord, answered gently anyway. Of course, they made mistakes, too, but their responses and reactions grew more like Jesus as they allowed the Holy Spirit to lead their lives.

If we’re being honest, let’s look at the most impactful form of love and gentleness we’ve ever known: the love and pursuit of our Heavenly Father. He has poured out gentleness when we most certainly deserved wrath. Then He sent His son, Jesus, to live among the people. And Jesus lived with a heart of gentleness; it was His character. In the intense moments of pressure, mockery, pain, and temptation, He chose to walk in the character of His Father. We serve a God and have a Savior who calls us to hand over the overwhelm and irritation, and seek and desire to have the fullness of joy that overflows with a gentle Spirit. Walk in His ways, cling to His truth, and it will set you free from the habitual reactions of the flesh.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Thank you for the gift of your Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to live a life that flows with your gentleness. In the moments that you know I struggle to keep my eyes on you as irritation rises, nudge me with a tangible reminder to hand what I’m feeling over to you. I pray to mature as a believer, and from that, I will mature in the way I respond to those around me. Make me more like you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

How can I lead with gentleness today?
Do I believe I have been equipped by God to walk in His ways?
Do I make time to work through my convictions?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Vruyr Martirosyan

Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.

For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.