Thursday, September 17, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Song of Songs 1-2 | 1 Timothy 4

Recently, someone I love dearly was going through a very tough season. Occasionally, I would react to his behavior in an unkind way. Notice I said react. Reacting doesn’t have a peaceful connotation. It is usually followed by bad behavior, such as yelling, stomping, or calling names.

Luckily, God got a hold of my heart … and my mouth! The Holy Spirit encouraged me to respond in love and kindness. This made all the difference. Rather than pulling us apart, the conflict drew us closer together. 

My loved one came out of this season with a new appreciation for me. Every time he thanked me for my patience, I pointed him to God. And now, I am overwhelmed with joy because he even started attending church with me regularly, which was an answered prayer.

The way we respond to conflict is an indicator of what is in our hearts.

If we react and behave badly, it may indicate our hearts are full of pride. If our goal is to be right, we will argue and refuse to listen in an attempt to drive our point home. This not only fails to resolve conflict, but it also strains the relationship.

Jesus offers a better way to respond to conflict.

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Speaking the truth in love means listening, not reacting. It means truly caring about others and wanting to know what they are going through. It means taking a deep breath, counting to ten, and praying for God to help us have a humble heart. We can attempt to change our behaviors, but our behaviors are symptoms of what is in our hearts. And only God can change our hearts.

As God humbles us and changes our hearts, our goals change. Instead of fighting to be right, we are more concerned about building relationships. We respond to conflict by being open and truly listening. We speak the truth in love. We offer encouraging words to heal hearts and strengthen relationships. 

And every time someone notices the change in us, we are given an opportunity to point them to Jesus, giving him all the glory. 

Questions: 
How do you respond to conflict?

How does Jesus tell us to respond to conflict?

What steps can you take to prevent yourself from reacting to conflict?

Next Steps: 
When conflict occurs, take a couple of deep breaths. Count to ten. Pray, and ask God for guidance and self-control. Listen. Compromise. 

Prayer: 
Jesus, I worship and praise you. I am overwhelmed by your love and grace. Change my heart and help me to be more like you. Give me a humble and kind heart. Let my thoughts and words honor you. Help me to respond to conflict with love and humility, always pointing people to you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.  

Written by Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.