Bible Briefs

J O H N   W.   M O O R E STOP SHOUTING Conflicts in marriage are inevitable. Any relationship of depth will have its share of disagreements. No one person is exactly the same as another, and at some point the differences between individuals will create tension and conflict. Whether the differences are as mundane as our preference for food or as serious as our beliefs about God, conflict is a part of life. Conflict often serves as the catalyst for growth and change. If conflicts are handled correctly, the initial clash can bring about a sharpening and fine-tuning of a relationship (Prov. 27:17). When handled improperly, hearts can be scarred and relationships severed. Shouting or loud, insulting language is a deterrent to a healthy and growing relationship. Conflict is never properly resolved when those in disagreement are yelling and insulting one another. This type of behavior only brings about more conflict. God says, “a soft answer turneth away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1). Take a look at Ephesians 4:29-32, Galatians 5:22-6:1 and Colossians 4:6, and notice what the Holy Spirit reveals about handling conflict. The loud, insulting language, the yelling, and the anger need to stop. Conflict should be handled with meekness, tenderness, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness, goodness, humility, love and with words of grace.