Just Deal With It

When conflict arises, it can get awfully tempting to simply brush it aside to “deal with it later,” especially if it’s something you’ve dealt with before.

Let me urge you not to do that. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Find a moment to let the emotion pass, and even if it can’t all be resolved then, try to find a way to take the edge off the moment. Find common ground. Agree to come back to it later. But don’t stay angry and put it off until another time.

Believe it or not, conflict isn’t always bad. It’s a way of identifying the differences we have. We all have conflict in our lives—it’s how we deal with the situations that make the difference. Will we be charitable and understanding? Or harsh and hardened? The choice is ours.

Every day presents opportunities to practice patience, understanding, and compromise. Talk things out and don’t force your opinion. Listen to each other instead of resorting to the silent treatment.

Above all else, be wise. Don’t provoke, and don’t brush things aside.

His Promises

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.

God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.