How To Avoid A Fight
Proverbs 20:3 "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling." (NLT)
Well, then I must have a big halo of honor LOL I have avoided conflict as much as possible, all my life! Really though, I know several people that I consider of good character. It truly is an honor to be around them and witness how they handle conflict. They don't even raise their voice when someone is bating them to argue. Calmness, evenness, and even silence is what I witness. I strive to be like them.
The difference I see is that they do not "run" from conflict, but they address it with truth. Not in a controlling way, but in a soft yet direct way. I notice that they are also really gifted at knowing when to turn away from an argument or conflict. I am reminded to look at what Jesus did in those types of situations. One thing that just popped into my memory, is that there are several times in scripture where Jesus just up and disappears! Right in what seems to be the middle of something! Have I ever considered that as "running away" from a situation or conflict? NO! I have always looked at those instances as His knowing when the conversations were really going nowhere and or they were trying to bait Him or trap Him in some way.
I believe the Proverbs are here, right in the middle of the bible for a reason. They are so we can learn to be like Jesus. Know when the time is to "talk" and or "leave". They are the easiest part of the bible to find, first of all, but they are also the place we can always turn to for quick reference! They are always fitting what we are going through. We find answers when we search them. Unfortunately, I have acted like the "fool" in MANY of the verses in Proverbs. However, I have also been the "honoring" parts often too. LOL That is called "living".
Today, I pray that you are quick to hold your tongue when around others. I pray that you are able to just watch and listen as those around you talk. If someone starts to try and engage others into an argument, I pray that you can just walk away. If you cannot do so, then I pray that you can hold your tongue. If that is not possible, then I pray that you quickly shoot up a 911 prayer to God and ask for Him to speak through you, and that you remember to stick to "truth" and not wander off track. Perhaps, we need to taste our words BEFORE we spit them out. This just may be the answer to "how to avoid a fight" - by actually 'tasting' what we are about to say or share with others. From both sides. It is not just a matter of "holding" our tongues, but actually "tasting" the words, the bite, the sting. OR are they calming, soothing, and sweet? Our words are to be encouraging and uplifting, not breaking someone down. Lets be known as peacemakers, and those who stand up for and stand on truth. I'm praying for you today. Be blessed, be safe, and be well!
Well, then I must have a big halo of honor LOL I have avoided conflict as much as possible, all my life! Really though, I know several people that I consider of good character. It truly is an honor to be around them and witness how they handle conflict. They don't even raise their voice when someone is bating them to argue. Calmness, evenness, and even silence is what I witness. I strive to be like them.
The difference I see is that they do not "run" from conflict, but they address it with truth. Not in a controlling way, but in a soft yet direct way. I notice that they are also really gifted at knowing when to turn away from an argument or conflict. I am reminded to look at what Jesus did in those types of situations. One thing that just popped into my memory, is that there are several times in scripture where Jesus just up and disappears! Right in what seems to be the middle of something! Have I ever considered that as "running away" from a situation or conflict? NO! I have always looked at those instances as His knowing when the conversations were really going nowhere and or they were trying to bait Him or trap Him in some way.
I believe the Proverbs are here, right in the middle of the bible for a reason. They are so we can learn to be like Jesus. Know when the time is to "talk" and or "leave". They are the easiest part of the bible to find, first of all, but they are also the place we can always turn to for quick reference! They are always fitting what we are going through. We find answers when we search them. Unfortunately, I have acted like the "fool" in MANY of the verses in Proverbs. However, I have also been the "honoring" parts often too. LOL That is called "living".
Today, I pray that you are quick to hold your tongue when around others. I pray that you are able to just watch and listen as those around you talk. If someone starts to try and engage others into an argument, I pray that you can just walk away. If you cannot do so, then I pray that you can hold your tongue. If that is not possible, then I pray that you quickly shoot up a 911 prayer to God and ask for Him to speak through you, and that you remember to stick to "truth" and not wander off track. Perhaps, we need to taste our words BEFORE we spit them out. This just may be the answer to "how to avoid a fight" - by actually 'tasting' what we are about to say or share with others. From both sides. It is not just a matter of "holding" our tongues, but actually "tasting" the words, the bite, the sting. OR are they calming, soothing, and sweet? Our words are to be encouraging and uplifting, not breaking someone down. Lets be known as peacemakers, and those who stand up for and stand on truth. I'm praying for you today. Be blessed, be safe, and be well!
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