I watch YouTube videos of sporting events and sporting news. I also have several sites that I watch for news revolving around Israel. I also watch U.S. news sites. As I watch debates, discussions, and arguments between politicians and various leaders, I see a lot of anger, insults, threats, and intimidation. They are like watching a boxing match. They remind me of Jesus’s words in Mark 10:42-45

Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus was not a bully.

In the previous two days of blogs, I have given you two of my personal guidelines for attempting to resolve conflict. My third guideline is never to shame but always to honor those who I am talking to. I am ashamed of how often I have failed at this goal, especially with family and friends, because of pride, haughtiness, irritation, anger, and the world’s influence. God works through graciousness, not haughtiness.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

The key thing to remember is that God works through us in the lives of other people if we do things His way, not the devil’s, the world’s or our flesh’s way.