Proverbs 15:1-2

A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger. Wise people use knowledge when they speak, but fools pour out foolishness.

Think before you speak.

Respond instead of react. This requires much intentional training, but if you want it, you can have it. We do what we really want to do.

Matthew 15:6

You reject what God said to follow your own rules.

These people show honor to me with words, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is worthless. The things they teach are nothing but human rules. -Isaiah 29:13

I am convinced that the only thing God wants from us is our hearts, because when He has your heart, He has all of you.

You don’t need rules to please someone you truly love. You please them out of your heart’s desire for them.

This is why seeking God is so very powerful. It cultivates a knowledge and desire for God that is greater than any ritualistic act, yet can and does include recurring acts of communing and worship. How do you love someone you don’t really know or spend much time with?

Get to know the God that Jesus revealed, for to know Him is to love Him. Get to know Him by spending much time thinking of Him, reading of Him, talking with Him, talking to others about Him.