Thanking God for the Right Response

Did you know there are some people when verbally confronted or challenged, appears to be always ready to give a quick comeback? Before your thought can leave your mind, they have something to say.  This could leave you spellbound with your mouth hanging open! Some comebacks may be intentional, and some may not. But nevertheless, you think, wow, where did that come from?

Some people have learned to be “quick” when verbally confronted. They do not give the slightest thought as to what is proceeding from their lips.They have practiced being naturally reactive. I’m not suggesting their comebacks are excused, warranted, accurate, or appropriate. Some do occur in a timely manner at times. But many are  given with the intent to momentarily shut the thought processes down, leaving one speechless. They tend to catch you off guard, leaving behind a sense of uncomfortableness. I’m aware we all are human, and not exempt when we give our fleshly nature control; anything may burst out at anytime, and anywhere. It pays to remember what the Word said, “But the tongue can no man tame…” James 3:8 (kjv).”

But thanks be to God there is one who can tame the tongue. His comeback is always warranted, accurate, and appropriate, leaving one without excuse. His comeback is not like ours. His comeback is “quick and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword,” only leaving room to accept or reject, follow and obey. Jesus said, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” James 1:19 (esv).

As you may know throughout Scripture Jesus had many comebacks. I’m thinking of the woman that got caught in the act of adultery, waiting fearfully to be stoned by her accusers. Jesus’s comeback to the crowd was not spontaneous, but powerful. He first wrote on the ground, and afterwards said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her,” John 8:7 (kjv). Wow, no further comments necessary! Enough said. Like Jesus, let us also consider before we give a comeback.

What about the time when Jesus was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil? Though He hadn’t eaten for forty days and forty nights, and physically hungry (according to the flesh), notice how calm and serene Jesus’s behavior was! Jesus was patient, but still had comeback! His comeback was, “It is written.” Let us aspire to pattern our responses after our Savior’s, and let our comeback be the Word of God with the right attitude. It always works.

Knowing this, Lord, we pray, don’t let our “comeback” be a “snapback!” Help us to listen first, then respond accordingly. Now Lord, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer” Psalm 19:14 (kjv). In God, I will keep on thanking. By Hertistine Washington