How Gentleness Calms Conflict

[How Gentleness Calms Conflict](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) Current Teaching Series [A Faith That Works When Life Doesn't: The James Series](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Listen to Today's Broadcast](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [How Gentleness Calms Conflict](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) By Rick Warren — June 28, 2020 [Facebook](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Twitter](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Pinterest](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Email](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Devotional image from Rick Warren](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) Here’s a common scenario: someone raises their voice against you, so you raise your voice in response. Then they raise their voice higher, then you raise your voice higher. And the situation keeps escalating. Some scientists suggest we do this because of mirror neurons in our brain meant to give us the ability to empathize with others and even mirror what they feel. But, unchecked, we can begin to mirror the anger and antagonism of someone in an argument. Let me give you a little tip that will save you a lot of heartache and conflict in your life: When other people raise their voice, lower yours—in your marriage, in your parenting, in your friendships, and at work. That’s called strength under control. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). Gentleness defuses conflict. It deescalates anger. When someone raises their voice in anger, instead of getting defensive, practice gentleness. Let your gentle answer disarm the other person and diffuse the situation. [PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) Talk About It - Why do you think responding in gentleness rather than anger is so disarming? Why does it get people’s attention? - How can you become sensitive to when you are escalating an argument? - Look for ways to practice gentleness this week. How do people react when you respond to them with gentleness? You may even want to record your efforts and their effect and share it with your small group. 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[LEARN MORE](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) 69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r [Series Summary](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) Message 1: Real Faith Versus Fake Faith Message 2: A Faith That Loves My Neighbor as Myself Message 3: A Faith That Shows Respect to Everyone Message 4: A Faith That Leads to Emotional Health Message 5: A Faith That Stays Calm in a Crisis Message 6: A Faith That Anchors Me in a Storm Message 7: A Faith That Walks Through the Valley of the Virus Message 8: A Faith That Plants Seeds of Peace Message 9: A Faith That Isn't Troubled by Troubles Message 10: A Faith That Makes Tough Choices Easier Message 11: A Faith That Counters My Bad Habits [PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) Pastor Rick Warren [Facebook](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r)[Twitter](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Instagram](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) [Linkedin](69ANMKbzN:m:1:2618166767:8D4FC8293FEFFC613773A7C425177E6F:r) Enjoy today's devotional? 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