(Proverbs 15:1)
How well do we respond to someone who is severely angry at us? Are we quickly angered ourselves, and respond with a high level of intense anger? Do we end up saying things we didn't mean to say, in a moment of confrontation? Words are like bullets that penetrate the heart of the person we are in conflict with. They can cause damage that will last a lifetime. In our text we find the right response to someone who is totally angry with us. "A soft answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1a)
When you deal with people who are surely or difficult, the best way is to keep your own demeanor calm, and your own voice calm instead of raising your voice. Raising our voices, and getting into a retaliation mode, will only put fuel on the fire, and make things worse. As it is in the area of physics: "For every action, there is a reaction" How that reaction is presented will make all the difference in the world.
The Apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus and says: "Be angry, and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27) Do not hold on to your anger, and don't let the devil influence you to take steps to get even, or again, say things in anger, that you did not intend. In moments of conflict and confrontation, let's never be selfish, but understanding, and respectful. It will go a long way in accomplishing resolution and reconciliation. GP
Photo by franky242. Published on 07 August 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100190830
www.freedigitalphotos.net
Photo by franky242. Published on 07 August 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100190830
www.freedigitalphotos.net