Gas or Water?

In any relationship, conflict is inevitable.  It may start because we did not meet someones expectations of us.  We may have sinned against someone unknowingly, or even purposely.  Maybe our values are different from theirs, or our maybe we assumed something we should not have assumed.  Whatever the cause of the conflict was, we have a choice-

THROW GAS ON IT OR THROW WATER...

Proverbs 15:18 NLT says 

"A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them." 

 Is it any wonder that when we respond to anger with anger, the conflict grows?  Why do we think that retaliation is going to end a dispute?  The reason we "throw gas" on the fire of conflict is because we see the other person as our enemy, and we are letting our identity get wrapped up in what they think about us.  

The truth is that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12 NLT

Your enemy is Satan and his demons.  Your friends, relatives, co-workers, boss, facebook "friends", and me....we all have something in common...WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY.

People do and say the most hurtful things.  These actions are driven by lies from our enemy, Satan.  You need to know the truth, God's Word, so you know how to recognize a lie when you hear it.  When you start to recognize the lies, you will also remember their source...Satan, who is the father of all lies. 

You have a choice...

You can react and throw gas on the fire so everyone can be consumed, or

You can put life giving water on it to calm the quarrel.

Chose Life.