a soft answer turns away wrath

Sick people feel miserable. They are frequently irritable, hateful and angry due to fear, pain, hopelessness and other factors. It is quite common to arrive at the hospital for work/clinical and hear in nursing report from the previous shift that the patient in room whatever is horrible, mean, hateful, demanding, negative, etc.

However, it has been my experience that the patients do not behave in that way if they are approached in a gentle manner, with a kind voice and with eye contact. When they know they are being cared for and listened to--they respond with the same attitude. Sometimes it takes a couple of trips into the room--but I have been amazed at the change in their attitude after having their needs met to the best of my ability.

I hope that God always provides me the grace to treat people with patience, kindness, compassion and respect.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit." 1 Peter 15:1-4