Take Captive Every Thought

I am studying 2 Corinthians 10 tonight. After a great discussion with hubby...I shared my philosophy on my own frustrations and how I respond.

For years now I have struggled with reacting vs responding. What is the difference?

React: to behave or change in a particular way when something happens, is said, etc.
Respond: say something in reply.

2 Corinthians 10 is titled Paul's Defense of his Ministry. My question is, why did he feel he had to defend his ministry?? Maybe because he was reacting instead of responding...maybe something else?

After studying all that Paul wrote in the bible, I have a sneaking suspicion he did not like conflict. I don't like conflict.  "I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!" I can relate to this. I like to write cause I can express my thoughts and opinions on paper/computer more than I can in person. I am able to take the time for formulate what I want to say much more concise and with more detail than I can having a conversation.

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

This verse is key. Paul clearly understands that what comes out of your mouth starts as a thought. Joyce Meyer wrote a whole book about taking captive thoughts >http://www.joycemeyer.org/ProductDetail.aspx?id=007076< I have been working for the last couple years to take my thoughts captive and trust God more and more every day. Some days I do well and others not so...but every day I try again. The more I better I do the more positive I become and the little things in life that used to make me so crazy upset don't even get to me.