Reflection:  Years ago, I used to vet callers for a late-night current events talk show. Almost every week I would get a caller who only wanted to fight. Sometimes they were upset with the topic, sometimes they were upset with the viewpoints or sometimes they were angry that they had to wait so long before I picked up! I remember trying to reason with these callers, but it only led to more frustration and ultimately began to impact the efficiency of the show itself.

The sad truth is that you can’t reason with everyone, and not everyone is looking to be reasonable. Some people, some topics, only invite trouble!

Are you in conversation with someone online or in person where you feel that you’re constantly having to deal with abuse when you don’t agree with them? Could it be time to graciously and lovingly release that person or conversation to God?

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).

This verse acknowledges that there are times when it doesn’t depend on you to keep the peace, and in those moments, the wisest words to say are “God bless you and goodbye.”

Prayer: God, help me to know the difference between someone who wants to understand and someone who only wants to be right. Help me also, Lord, to seek to stay calm when I feel angered, and to also first understand the person and situation through your lens of love and wisdom.  Amen.