Pay It Forward

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

Contrary to what the world calls strength, and manliness, being slow to anger is a great demonstration of true strength. It is far too easy to allow our pride to drive our bouts of anger, whenever we are offended or insulted. It takes supernatural strength to overlook transgressions, and shrug off insults. Today's verse reminds us that in God's eyes a person who refrains from being quick to anger is a person of discretion, or wisdom. Overlooking a transgression does not mean that we cannot hold someone accountable for their sinful actions or behavior. It simply means that we must have the wisdom to know when to "just let something go" and when to address a situation with calmness, kindness, and love; refusing to return evil for evil, but returning good for evil. Proverbs 16:32 clearly tells us, "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." The world's idea of what it means to be strong stands in complete opposition to what God defines as strength. Our flesh feels better when it gets its "pound of flesh" from someone who has caused an offense, but in the end all we are doing is demonstrating how weak we truly are. The greatest example and demonstration of the kind of strength God desires for us, His children, was demonstrated for us by Jesus Himself in 1 Peter 2:23 which reads, "Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously." Today, before we give someone "a piece of our mind" when we are offended or insulted, let us stop and remember how often God has forgiven us for sinning against Him; and pay that same forgiveness forward instead.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).