Creating an Atmosphere

Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

I recently had someone announce that they were never going back to a certain store.  The reason was that the employees were rude and the store was filthy.  I cannot comment on the cleanliness, I don’t notice a lot of things, but I had always found the people working there to be polite and helpful.

What gives?  Were they having a bad day?

A more likely reason is expressed in this verse.  When you are in a bad mood and your mood is hanging on your sleeve, it tends to cause others to respond in kind.

So?  It is always a good idea to consider your attitude when you are having trouble with someone else.   It is often a case where you are setting the tone.