How do you handle a heated argument or unexpected tragic news? What you do or say next could change your life and affect countless others. Because every life matters, take some time to evaluate your next steps carefully and consider these ten strategies for keeping your calm…
“Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:13-15, New King James Version)
Ten Strategies for Keeping Your Calm
- Pursue peace. Why? Peacemakers have been blessed by the highest court—the court of the Most High God. (Matthew 5:9)
- Cultivate a peaceful environment. Avoid rehearsing the problem and venting. This creates rage and destroys creative thinking. (Proverbs 15:1)
- Allow others to have their own opinion. Life would be pretty boring if everyone looked like you, felt like you, acted like you, came from your background, and so on. (Proverbs 11:14)
- Don’t take sides until you know and understand both sides.( Deuteronomy 19:15)
- Resist “feeling offended” and becoming angry when others don’t share your ideas. (Matthew 5:21-22)
- Don’t hold a grudge. Be willing to talk through differences and problem solve. If no solution can be obtained, agree to disagree amicably. (James 5:8-9)
- Don’t agitate—communicate. Never act before all the facts are known. Then pray before you act, asking these questions: “Lord, how would you respond? What can I do to create a good result?” (James 1:19-20) and (Proverbs 6:16-19)
- Tame your temper and your tongue. Remember, your tongue can be as sharp as any sword and cause lasting damage. (Ephesians 4:29), James 3:5-6, and Proverbs 14:16-17)
- Don’t walk away from respectful dialogue—that’s a sign of pride. Listen to understand, not to form your rebuttal. Ask questions with a courteous tone? After their viewpoint is thoroughly understood, then share your perspective. (Job 32:9-11)
- Forgive—it paves the way for God’s grace in your life and the one who hurt you. (Matthew 6:14-15)
Psalm 11:3-7, Living Bible – “Law and order have collapsed,” we are told. “What can the righteous do but flee?” But the Lord is still in his holy temple; he still rules from heaven. He closely watches everything that happens here on earth. He puts the righteous and the wicked to the test; he hates those loving violence. He will rain down fire and brimstone on the wicked and scorch them with his burning wind. For God is good, and he loves goodness; the godly shall see his face.
