A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
Into the Text
We’ve all felt it. That moment when tensions begin to rise and our hearts start beating faster because conflict has shown up, uninvited and uncomfortable. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a hard conversation we didn’t plan on having, or a silence that’s lasted far too long, relational conflicts can leave us feeling unsettled, discouraged, and unsure how to move forward.
In moments of rising conflict, it’s tempting to react. We want to defend ourselves and share our side of the story. We are tempted to speak out of hurt instead of pausing to really listen. But in Proverbs 15, God gently reminds us that how we respond matters as much as what we say.
If we’re honest, responding gently in the heat of the moment isn’t easy and definitely not natural. It’s supernatural. Choosing a gentle response in the midst of an argument is something only God can do through us. In order to do so, we need God’s wisdom to help us pause before we speak, to soften our tone, and to choose words that reflect His heart—not ours.
Sometimes, wisdom means asking Him, “Is this the right time?” or “Am I listening to understand, or just waiting to respond?” Other times, it means letting go of our need to win and choosing to see the person instead of the problem. And other times, it means having the courage to lovingly confront, but doing so with a tender heart surrendered to the Lord, not driven by a desire to be right.
Sweet friend, God isn’t asking you to pretend everything is fine. Conflict is normal in our fallen world. We all have to deal with it from time to time. But through our conflicts, God is inviting you to let His wisdom guide you—so that even in hard conversations, you reflect the gentleness and strength of Christ.
The next time you find yourself in the middle of a conflict, take a deep breath and invite Him in. He will give you the words and the love you need to walk wisely through it with grace.