Ang mainit na ulo ay humahantong sa alitan, ngunit pumapayapa sa kaguluhan ang mahinahong isipan.

Mga Kawikaan 15:18

“Ang harsh mo naman!” Hindi mapigilan ni Christie na mag-react nang makatanggap siya ng masasakit na salita mula sa officemate niya after a conflict at work. Pero mula sa pagiging emotional, naisip niya na mag-pause at maging maingat sa kanyang response. Pinili niyang manahimik at humingi ng tulong sa Diyos kung ano ang dapat niyang gawin.

Have you been in the same situation lately, trying to handle a disagreement? Having conflicts can feel like a storm threatening to destroy your relationships with negativity. But the Bible teaches us how to handle them. Here are four ways to help you navigate conflicts:

1.​Converse with Kindness: Harsh words can sting! But remember that when we speak our truth, we should do it with kindness (Proverbs 15:18). A gentle approach can disarm tension and open the door to a productive conversation.

2.​Acknowledge Feelings: We often get stuck in “fight mode” during disagreements. As we acknowledge our own feelings, we can also try to make the other person feel seen and heard too.

3.​Listen Actively: Sometimes, the best way to resolve a conflict is simply to listen. Give the other person a chance to share their views, pay attention, and understand where they’re coming from. Proverbs 18:13 says, “To answer before listening — that is folly and shame.”

4.​Mend, Don’t Break: In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to get fixated on being right. But sometimes, God would lead us to let go, compromise, and choose peace. It’s always better to save relationships than burn bridges.

Remember that love covers a multitude of sins (Proverbs 10:12). By practicing conflict resolution, nagkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na maiparamdam sa iba ang pag-ibig ng Diyos.