Take Some Time

Read Genesis 27:41–45

Reflection

The ‘fight or flight’ response is the body’s natural reaction to stressful situations. When we are confronted with something that is threatening – physically or emotionally – we usually do one of two things. We keep fighting in order to win or we walk away to ensure we don’t lose.

Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, knew that what they had done had made Esau extremely angry, and her worst fears started to look as though they could come true when she heard that Esau was scheming to kill Jacob. It might have been Jacob’s natural instinct to stay and fight, but Rebekah knew better and asked him to leave. She knew her sons well enough to know that time is sometimes the best thing to calm heightened feelings.

While our natural instinct is about survival and the need to win, God shows us a different response: one that is all about timing. Scripture says that God is slow to anger and that we should be, too. James 1:19–20 advises us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, knowing that hasty words can only add fuel to the fire. Giving yourself, and the other person, the space to process emotions, is ultimately the safest path for you both.

Consider and Pray

When was the last time you got angry? Did you stay and fight, or did you walk away? Ask the Holy Spirit for help to remind you to take some time out the next time you, or someone you love, is angry. Ask for the Grace to be quick to listen and slow to speak.