Was That a Kiss or a Counter Punch?

from "Parting Shot" by Bill Mallonee

"if you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind"
from "Franklin's Tower" by Robert Hunter

"a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh answer stirs up anger"
from Prov 15:1 by Solomon

generally speaking, we stand piosed to react. we rehearse situations in our minds. we are often ready to retaliate...tit for tat and all of that.

we fell vindicated and justified...it's understandable...it's even normal and expected.

and if we don't, we get walked on, right?
and God wouldn't want His children to get walked on, would He?

a gentle answer doesn't mean one that gives in...it means gentle.

you can disagree gently.
you can oppose while "disarming" the assailant with your words.
you can stand up with out knocking someone else down.

your words don't have to hurt...they can heal.

here's some things to put into practice:

1. ask questions rather than make accusations.
2. civilize rather than criticize
3. admit your own wrong doing
4. seek to resolve, rather than win, the argument