RadSample

So, how do you handle tense conversations . . . really? It could be an argument with a family member, a coach, a friend, or a teacher. Honestly, the argument could be with anyone. Let’s pull back a layer and make it more personal. How did you respond to the troll online yesterday? How do you react when someone calls you a name, ignores you, or puts you down for some reason? It hurts. You’re right. It can hurt pretty badly. But when we react, we tend to make the situation worse. 

Solomon, one of the wisest people, reminds us harsh words will keep the fight going. On the flip side, gentle words can help bring calm to a situation. Radical people choose to respond to a situation carefully and not irrationally react to it. It's really all about timing. In order to build the skill of responding carefully, we can start by asking ourselves, why do we tend to feel the need to react instantly? Is it a sense of pride? A sense of protecting ourselves?

How can we learn to trust God will show up for us rather than rushing to react to what others say?