Reacting vs Responding: Training Your Spirit and Mind

What’s the difference between reacting and responding — and why does it matter for your Christian walk?

In today’s episode, we explore how emotional reactions can lead us into trouble, but thoughtful responses—rooted in training and guided by the Holy Spirit—lead to growth, grace, and witness. From self-defense training to personal stories in marriage, traffic, and church life, we unpack the biblical model of control, transformation, and sanctification.

You’ll hear practical insight on how to retrain your reactions, develop spiritual self-control (Galatians 5:22), and reflect the love of Christ—especially when life throws curveballs.

Key Verse: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” – Romans 12:2

🎧 Whether you're facing conflict, criticism, or chaos, this episode helps you pause, process, and respond in a Christ-like way.

00:00 – Meet our surprise guest and guard dog
00:32 – Opening prayer and topic intro
01:37 – Krav Maga story: “They’re reacting, not responding”
02:47 – How reactions show up in real life
03:50 – Defining emotional reaction vs thoughtful response
06:10 – Examples: traffic, flinching, arguments
08:24 – Words as bullets: self-control in speech
10:08 – Non-verbal communication as reaction
11:44 – When reactions are good (stove, survival)
12:53 – What responding really means
13:25 – Breathing technique to control response
27:04 – Guys vs. men: reacting vs. responding
34:40 – Weeds as a metaphor: repurposing reactions
36:21 – Brain science + sanctification: retraining reactions
37:28 – Jesus: the perfect responder
38:32 – Final thoughts + visiting Son Country Church

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