The message is written. Every word is true. Every sentence can do damage.
Most of us know that moment. We have been hurt, ignored, or treated unfairly. Anger tells us that we must answer now. If we wait, it says, we will look weak. Yet haste can turn a real wrong into a second wrong.
David faced that danger in 1 Samuel 25. Nabal had insulted him after David’s men had protected Nabal’s shepherds. David gathered 400 men and set out for revenge. Abigail heard what had happened and moved quickly. She brought food, spoke with care, and stood between David and a choice that would have marked his life.
David needed someone brave enough to interrupt him.
We do too.
Romans 12:19 calls us to leave revenge with God. That does not mean pretending that the hurt does not matter. It means trusting that God sees the whole case and will judge with wisdom. We can hand him our anger before it becomes an action we cannot recall.
Who is allowed to interrupt you? It may be a spouse, friend, colleague, corps leader, or wise neighbour. Choose that person before anger rises. Give them permission to say, “Sleep on it.” Then listen when they do.
There is also a second call here. Be an Abigail for someone else. Bring calm, not a lecture. Ask a kind question. Offer food or a cup of tea. Help them gain enough time to choose what is right.
The sharp email can stay in drafts. The message can wait until morning. Morning often edits more wisely than anger.
You do not have to carry the case alone. Hand it to God. Welcome the friend who helps you pause, and become that friend for someone else.
Begin today, gently.
Watch the five-minute devotional here -
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