When was the last time you got
into a heated argument? This morning, this week, this month? Whenever it was,
somewhere along the line someone got angry and said something unkind. Whether it was you or the other person who
lashed out, it escalated the disagreement to another level. In the end, did that bring you and the other
person closer together or push you farther apart (we all know the answer to
that question)? Our verse today offers a
godly alternative that yields a much better outcome.
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh
word stirs up anger
Things to think about:
· So when was
the last time you got into a heated argument?
o
Were you more the instigator or the recipient?
· Our natural
inclination is to hit back, hit harder, and fight to win. Some of the reasons
for this are:
o
In the moment it feels “good”
o
It might seem “fair” or “right”
o
We’re emotional beings by nature so our emotions can rule us
o
Our egos need protection so as not to look or feel weak
· The Bible is
full of counterculture advice when it comes to conflict:
o
Turn the other cheek
o
Love your enemy
o If your enemy is thirsty, give him a drink of water
o
A gentle answer
· Have you
tried God’s way by remaining calm and being gentle when the other party is
getting worked up?
o
If so, how did it turn out?
· Are you
currently in a disagreement or conflict with someone?
o
How can providing a gentle answer yield a better result in this
situation?
o
What would a “gentle answer” look like in this situation?
o How might that gentle answer be like a cup of water to them?
· Why is God’s
way impossible without His help?
o Jesus says in John 15:3 -“Remain in me, as I also remain in
you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
o Let’s ask God for the help we need to live the life He has
called us to.
§ And let’s do it BEFORE the next
conflict arises so that He is leading us not our emotions
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