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- Oct 26, 2007
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A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
No matter how nice, amicable, and kindhearted a guy you are, you can’t go through life without occasionally finding yourself in conflict with someone—your wife, your son or daughter, or a business associate or coworker.
Imperfect human beings have differing needs and desires, and sometimes that leads to personal conflict. So how can you keep those conflicts from spiraling into hotheaded arguments and divisions? Today’s verse offers some very practical wisdom (the book of Proverbs has way of doing that) for handling such situations.
When you see and hear telltale signs of anger or frustration, do your best to check your own attitude. Cool your own emotions, lower your voice, and respond to the other person with an attitude of gentleness. If you’ve done something to cause an angry reaction—even if done unintentionally—seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and do it quickly.
Responding to another person’s anger this way will make your life easier, keep your relationships stronger, and, most importantly, glorify your heavenly Father. That’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Prayer: Father in heaven, Your Word tells me that one of the fruits Your Spirit should produce in me is gentleness. Work in me and make me a truly gentle person, both in my actions and in my words.
No matter how nice, amicable, and kindhearted a guy you are, you can’t go through life without occasionally finding yourself in conflict with someone—your wife, your son or daughter, or a business associate or coworker.
Imperfect human beings have differing needs and desires, and sometimes that leads to personal conflict. So how can you keep those conflicts from spiraling into hotheaded arguments and divisions? Today’s verse offers some very practical wisdom (the book of Proverbs has way of doing that) for handling such situations.
When you see and hear telltale signs of anger or frustration, do your best to check your own attitude. Cool your own emotions, lower your voice, and respond to the other person with an attitude of gentleness. If you’ve done something to cause an angry reaction—even if done unintentionally—seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and do it quickly.
Responding to another person’s anger this way will make your life easier, keep your relationships stronger, and, most importantly, glorify your heavenly Father. That’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Prayer: Father in heaven, Your Word tells me that one of the fruits Your Spirit should produce in me is gentleness. Work in me and make me a truly gentle person, both in my actions and in my words.
