Anger Again - but be gentle!

After that, I had a difficult time with someone very rude. Felt very angry, and in the calmest tone that I could say, I told the person, "Please shut the crap up."

Then I recalled one of the brothers' past examples, who responded to someone else who was acting in a judgemental spirit, how he responded so gently and kindly. And realised that I was doing wrong by being rude back to the rude person.

So am reflecting on this. How can I respond when I'm faced with someone who behaves in a very obnoxious way? My natural instinct is to be rude back to the other person... but...

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing...

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

Lord, help me be a better testimony... to be gentler and more gracious next time! In Jesus' name, amen!