This pastor’s story shows why we should be slow to anger and careful with our words. Things went in a direction he didn’t see coming, leading him to regret what he said and to seek forgiveness immediately. Watch this short, powerful, and moving clip to hear what the pastor said in anger, and why it is important to always be slow to anger, to react with love, and to keep a close watch on our tongues.
Anger is something we all experience, though some of us do so much more frequently than others. While anger is a natural reaction and response to certain situations, it’s what we do and say in that emotional state that matters. Words spoken in anger can have devastating consequences, damage relationships and cause deep hurt. Because let’s remember words, even if said in anger, can never be taken back.
As the Bible says throughout, we should be slow to anger but quick to respond with love. Also, guard against the tongue, which is sharper than any double-edged sword and can hurt and cause much destruction. In a clip posted on social media, a pastor learned this firsthand when he flew off the handle and spouted some surprisingly hurtful things.
He was upset that his room had no running water and did not like the woman at the front desk's response.
“I said, ‘Young lady, to call you stupid would be to defame the word.’ I said, ‘You owe your mother an apology for the day you were born,’” the pastor said. “And I just laid into her. The words just kept coming.”
Surprisingly, for some strange reason, several people in that church listening to him recount this incident got quite the kick out of his awful insults and cutting remarks to this woman. However, the pastor would soon come to regret his hurtful, sharp words. The young woman was a student at a Bible college where he would frequently preach, and despite her limited funds, she donated to his mission every month.
But that was not the end of it. The pastor would learn more about this young woman’s background, which made his comments even more horrible and painful.
Words are powerful, and what we say matters a great deal. With the words we say, we can build someone up or, just as easily, tear someone down.
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for grace to those who give ear.”
