Beware the Soft Answer!

"A soft answer turns away wrath." Prov. 15:1 For those who do not care to know or understand Christ, this is a test. A soft answer is not an attempt at appeasement. It is not a weak and inferior one trying to pacify the strong. No, rather it is the response to anger of one who's total confidence is in another. It is the result of the superior, empowered position of secure acceptance, the accepted one passing on reassurance of the same. He is God's hand at work.

If the angry one decides that he does not wish to set aside his grievance by way of forgiveness, does not grasp the extended hand of fellowship to live on the common grounds of humility and peace (and Jesus is the ONLY peace), then he has committed himself to a hell past his worst nightmares, the overwhelming flood of unending retribution, which he, himself, has chosen. In the interval of space and time between the indrawn breath of commiting the sin, and it's release of inevitable judgement, is a pause to give room for repentance. During the pause, the believer, as an extension of Christ Himself, carries the burden of the world and it's sin. Those to whom Christ has so graciously imparted His righteousness, He also graciously allows to suffer for Him. The believer's anguish, weakness, and tears, is the Lord praying with and through His people. God is reclaiming His lost creation. An unrepentant sinner is owned, by his debt, and will be held over for judgement and punishment.