“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”-Proverbs 15:1

There’s no doubt about it, we are living in times where tensions are high. Frustration seems prevalent. Anger abounds. Disagreements of all kinds are a regular part of the news all over the internet and tv. Social media is super cluttered with irritation and really strong opinions about various things.

As a Christian, how are we to handle these times? As followers of Jesus, what is the proper way to deal with disagreements, heated discussions, and strong opinions that we may not agree with? Certainly we aren’t called to ignore difficult discussions. We also aren’t called to be one who stirs up dissension. For the rest of our lives, at one time or another, we will deal with conflict. So, how are we to traverse these heated times with so much disagreement? What is the right way to deal with conflict that is inevitable in this life?

Without a doubt, our call is to implement gentleness into all we do, including intense discussions. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer deflects anger…” No one lived this better than Jesus. He is our model. He is gentle. In fact, He described Himself as humble and gentle at heart (Matthew 11:29). Now we are to follow His lead, letting gentleness mark our lives. Not only is Jesus gentle, the Holy Spirit is working in us, growing us in the fruit of the Spirit which includes gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23)! The Bible also says we are to cloth ourselves with gentleness (Colossians 3:12), and we are to pursue gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11).

Let’s remember our call today to something that isn’t of this world, it’s called gentleness. Gentleness in conversations. Gentleness in heated discussions. Gentleness even in disagreements. May we be gentle in all kinds of interactions with others. Gentleness stands out! Gentleness honors God. We can do this only through Christ who gives us strength.

Jesus, please help us grow like You in gentleness.

Godspeed, friends!

-Scott