The Reply I Never Sent

The Reply I Never Sent

Day 47 of 90 days Through the New Testament 

Daily Reading 1 Corinthians 7-9

 "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should."

Have You ever have a whole conversation in your head before you actually have it with the person? 🙋‍♀️

Oh, I do it all the time. I've written entire speeches in my mind...some loving, some not so much. I've defended myself, corrected people, dropped the perfect mic moment line...all before ever saying a word.

And most of the time?

I never actually say it.

At first, I thought that meant I was being fake, like I was holding back what I should say. But lately, I've realized it's actually the Holy Spirit giving me a pause. That moment between offense and obedience where God whispers, "You don’t have to respond to that."

In 1 Corinthians 7-9, Paul talks a lot about control. Self control in relationships, restraint in freedom, and discipline in the everyday stuff of life. Basically, learning to live with purpose, not just reacting. 

    Paul says he disciplines himself like an athlete, training his body and spirit to stay focused on what matters most. And I think that includes our words, too. Because sometimes, spiritual maturity looks like not taking the bait. Not replying. Not proving your point. That's hard for me, because I love proving my point.

    I can't tell you how many imaginary comebacks I've delivered in my kitchen. (If only those walls could talk, right?) But every time I keep quiet, I can almost feel the Lord smiling like, "See... Growth."

   It's not that our thoughts don't matter, it’s that not every thought deserves a microphone. Sometimes silence speaks louder than our best crafted defense.

   So maybe today, before we reply, post, or text that comeback we've rehearsed ten times... let's pause. Let's take that deep breath and remember that self control is one of the fruits of the Spirit, not to keep us silent, but to keep us steady.

  Because sometimes the strongest response isn’t what we say ... it's the peace that comes when we don’t. 🌊⚓️

Love Pastor Mandy 

Ark of Hope Ministry