Young People Ask . . ./How Do I Deal With Angry People?

Mildness-Weakness or Strength?

Granted the idea of having "a mild tongue" may not sound appealing.  It may seem more tough or macho to fight anger with anger. You may even fear that if you are mild, others will think you are really weak.  But just what does it mean to be mild?  According to one reference work, to be mild means to be gentle. However, this same source adds:  "Behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel." Thus, far from being a sign of weakness, mildness can be sign of strength. How so?

Well, for one thing, a mild-tempered person is in control and is not easily thrown off balance. On the other hand, a person  who lacks mildness seems insecure, frustrated, or even desperate. He also lacks self-control.  Unable to control his emotions, he is likely to find himself being repeatedly drawn into conflicts. Yes, "as a city broken through, without a wall, is the man that has no restraint for his spirit." (Proverbs 25:28) Really, then, it is the mild-tempered person who is strong! 

Next time: Young People Ask . . ./How Do I Deal With Angry People? - Bible Examples of Mildness

From the Awake! magazine