Proverbs 15:1 says that
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Even as a Christians in business, sometimes we have disagreements- with our employees, vendors, or even our customers.
Now think about the last time you got into an argument or a very strong disagreement with someone- either at work or in your personal life.
Now here is how it usually plays out.
Things start out as a minor issue or disagreement. But then one person or the other says something that kind of “turns up the heat on the conversation.” This one cold, harsh, or antagonizing comment becomes the trigger point that turns an otherwise harmless issue into an emotionally charged conflict.
Now at this point, it can become quite difficult to remain calm and in control.
I know because I’ve been there before- both at home and at work.
Now when this happens, we have to decide what is most important to us.
Key Steps:
- 1We must determine whether we want to be “right” and win the argument — or if we want to preserve the relationship with the person we’re having the issue with. You see if we want to preserve the relationship- then we need to simply calm down and offer a soft and gentle response.
- 2Sometimes we just need to be wise- just bite our tongue, and avoid making a bad situation worse.
- 3Maybe we need to simply agree to disagree- and move on.
Remember…..
That that “gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
So next time you find yourself in a disagreement or potentially explosive situation, remain calm, and offer a soft and controlled response.
Maintain the relationship.
When you do this, you will be applying The Truth@Work.
Application Questions:
- What does this message say to you?
- Have you had any situations where you need to apologize for how a conversation went and some harsh things that were said?
- What other scripture could help you to remain calm in this kind of situation?
Reply