This information could save you lots of heartache! Read on...
When a crisis or a confrontation occurs, do you REACT or respond? Some of you are thinking, "aren't they the same thing"? Aren't you just splitting hairs over two very similar words?
As I am using them, there is more than just a subtle difference!
To REACT is to immediately do something as a result of the current crisis or confrontation. That immediate reaction is almost involuntary, not consciously thought through.
To respond is to take some time to think, analyze, and pray through the crisis. It is not a knee jerk come back, but a well considered answer or response.
Granted, there are times when an immediate reaction is necessary! If someone is trying to do you or someone you love bodily harm, you have to react. If there is little to no time before a decision is required you have to react.
However, most of the time our immediate reactions aren't necessary. Many times an immediate reaction is not the right one and ends badly. That quick, angry, verbal jab taken at a spouse or a spur of the moment decision, made in frustration, lands us in a place we didn't want to go!
We have to learn to...
discipline ourselves to take a step back, both physically, mentally, and emotionally to give ourselves some processing time.
avoid the immediate gratification of venting our frustration or anger, keeping in mind the consequences of doing so!
put a process in place for preparing to respond, one that includes praying about it, considering what the Bible says, thinking it through, and possibly getting good advice from trusted advisors. (God's Word is our source of wisdom, starting in the book of Proverbs!)
It's amazing how a situation will look so much different an hour or day later! Ask God for the power, by His Holy Spirit, to exhibit self control and patience. Try waiting to respond, rather than REACTing immediately!
Subscribe to this Site
May, 2008