I'm hoping for the day when I'm able to "answer not" when faced with barbs and clear opposition. There have been many times when I've evaluated a certain discourse with someone, that I've concluded it would have been far better to remain silent.

Sometimes (rarely) I've pulled it off. Knowing when and where to apply this principle is particularly challenging to me. Does anyone have any stories of how God has led you to apply the spirit of meekness to a situation revealing to you the beauty of His character?

Please share. I'll be thinking and watching for an opportunity.

Lillie Belle ... Welcome.

And thank you for being so transparent and honest. I appreciated your post. I can relate with this. Let me try to be as transparent as you.

I used to have this issue. I don't believe that any miraculous event happened in my life. What did happen is that I removed myself from the opportunities to put my foot in my mouth. I think. I wish I could say I think I obtained some kind of victory. What I believe now is that IF I placed myself in those situations that I was weak in ... I would again fail.

I am not certain of this. I hope I have changed. But if I have ... I fear it is because of two factors. One is disability and the other is age. I am willing to bet that you are young. Personally I have found the experience of years to mold me from whence I came. I know . Some will say WOW ... from whence have you come? ! I could be pretty in-FLAMED with my words !! Maybe I still am ?

Is God now in my life in a different way? No I don't think so. I think I have just been molded over years of experience. I realize that even the old can be abrasive. But experience has helped mold me. Trials. Hardship. Trial and ERROR !! YES. It is like hitting ones-self on the head over and over again. Finally ... you figure out that ... Hey ... that didn't work out too well.!!

As long as I am confessing ... I have to confess .... I have another problem. And that is being too verbose. I still have not learned how to solve that problem. But since I have recognized it in this instance ... Let me shut up.

Hi Redwood,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I think age can make a difference. It can allow the needed time for change and/or it can allow the old habits to become deeply ingrained. I'm still a kindergartener in my heart. But, chronologically, I'm middle aged.

I'm learning more and more to let my quiet actions speak lounder than words. Words are too easily misinterpreted. Loving deeds aren't so easily miscontrued--even 'tough-loving' deeds. That's my experience so far. Wish I'd applied that bit of understanding much sooner in many situations.

It is interesting that you mention a disability because recently I had to face up to the fact that I too, have a major limitation due to chronic pain. For over twenty years, I've managed to block out the pain keeping it in the background. Recently, I realized that this coping mechanism does have its limits. And I've had to recognize that and take steps to remove the added temptation to be sharp with my tongue when I'm hurting. I realize that I owe it to my family and friends to keep my pain managed well.

I appreciate your being transparent too. Unless I can apply the lesson in some practical way, it really doesn't mean much to me. Like I said, I'm still in kindergarten----especially when it comes to meekness.

Beautiful Lillie ...

I think you are where God wants you. Certainly there may be times you wish you had let actions speak rather than words ... but then sometimes words are needed.

God will use your actions and your words. I suspect you are at a good place with God. He will be glorified through you I am sure.

May HE give you the strength and ablilities needed ....