EP 98: 9 Ways to Defuse a Disagreement

Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” How does that play out in real life? Is there a place for meaningful debate on important topics? And, if so, how can we keep such discussions calm and civil and God-honoring? What steps can we take to defuse a disagreement and keep it from escalating into a full-blown fight? That's the topic of this week's episode. Listen in and let me know what you think.

Show Notes VERSES CITED:

• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His”
• Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”
• Ephesians 4:15 – “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
• Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
• James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
• Proverbs 21:19 – “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.”
• Proverbs 21:9 – “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
• Proverbs 17:14 – “The beginning of strife is likeletting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”
• Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
• John 15:17-18 -- “This is My command to you: Love one another. If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.”
• Proverbs 18:13 - “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”
• Proverbs 10:12 - “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
• Proverbs 15:1 - “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• Proverbs 25:11 - “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
• Proverbs 16:21 - “Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.”
• Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
• Proverbs 15:18 - “A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.”
• James 4:6 - “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
• Revelation 3:19 - “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”

RELATED LINKS:

• What Men Intend for Evil – poem I wrote several years ago
• Turning Point USA – the organization Charlie Kirk founded
• Charlie Kirk’s Instagram Account – still growing!

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