Let's Go Back to the Bible

97% of conversations that start negatively…

It was recently noted by some researchers, who study the ins and outs of twenty-first century relationships, “If partners start a conversation in a negative manner, 97% of the time that  conversation will end negatively.” Haven’t you known that to be true in your own experience?

Of course, God told us that about 3,000 years ago. Consider some of the heavenly wisdom on this subject. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger…A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back…A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention…As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife…It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel” (Prov. 15:1; 29:11; 15:18; 26:21; 20:3).

How should I start a conversation that I know could go negative? The key ingredients are agape love, humility, prayer and a good dose of James 1:19-20. Give these a try!