Have you every found yourself in a situation gone-wrong which you never anticipated would go the way it went? A misunderstanding that was never intended to be, or a simple dialogue that turned into a mighty storm.
These things can happen in relationships of every kind: between husbands and wives, parents and their children, co-workers, church members, friends, siblings, neighbors, acquaintances etc.
I have encountered this severally and I am learning time and time again with each relationship in my life, to press the pause button should a situation turn negative.
When a conversation gets testy, that is when to press the pause button. Many times, in an attempt to explain ourselves, we may end up adding fuel to the fire. When emotions are running high and they are not pleasant, PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON.
The book of Proverbs is one of my favorite books in the Bible because there are so many nuggets in it to keep a person in check. Proverbs 20:3 (NIV) says, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Think about this scripture when next a quarrel presents itself.
Proverbs 30:33 (NIV) also says, “For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”
When a quarrel is calling on you, PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON.
When you are angry about a situation, PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON.
Remember there are always two sides to every situation: what you are trying to say, and how it is coming across to the other party.
Your action may come through negatively, it may not be your intention for it to come across that way, but don’t forget that, you judge yourself by your intentions while others judge you by your actions.
When you feel wronged, take caution too, if possible, give the other person the opportunity to make it right….if they want to. They may not have intentionally hurt you. Don’t close up your heart.
When next a situation presents itself and the heat is brewing, PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON.
- Don’t add to the heat.
- Hold your tongue.
- Pray.
- Receive wisdom.
- Seek love.
- Minister grace.
- Hold no grudges.
- Forgive.
- Let go.
- Speak Blessings.
- Embrace.
- Love unconditionally.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
May we all receive the grace to exercise patience and caution when next, a testy situation arises in our lives.