Daily Devotional 3/8/26

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV): A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The Hebrew word translated “gentle” means “tender”, and it comes from the word meaning “to soften”. I can tell you that there have been times in my life that I was in no mood to soften any message. There have been times when I have said things that were the opposite of tender. A harsh emotion had been stirred in me, so I was going to make sure others experienced it too. I can also say that I have learned over the years that is not a way that people wanted to be treated. It is not a way that I want to be treated. One cannot build community and relationships on a lack of respect and manipulation. Today’s verse is reminding us that we are to be humble with others. We are to be loving with others. We are to be gentle with others. Love is about the tender mercies of the LORD our God, not about being harsh. We build community through softness. We build community through tenderness. We build community through love. Today, may we live out of the love of the LORD our God and build the communities we need to see justice and peace in the world.