This Christian relationship help will show you how you can respond to angry people. Difficult relationships are often with people who are angry. It is wise to figure out how to respond to the anger so you do not get drawn into it and escalate it. Here are some ways you can respond to anger:
A soft response often de-escalates the anger. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (NIV). Try lowering your voice, showing interest in their concerns, offering empathy, and avoiding defending yourself. When you use your words to defuse the problem rather than responding in a way that increases the anger, you can sometimes calm the person down.
A non-response is sometimes the only way to prevent the anger from continuing. This may involve leaving the room, ending the conversation, or just not answering at all. Some angry people want to be angry and anything you say will escalate their fury. If a rager just wants to rage, there is no way you will win by trying to engage the person with logic or emotion; you will just increase the outburst and become more upset yourself. Proverbs 26:4 says, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly or you will be like him yourself" (NIV).
A strong response is sometimes required. Proverbs 26:5 says, "Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes" (NIV). Some people need you to be firm with them by setting boundaries and standing your ground. With these people, the only way you will get them to quit dumping their toxic emotions onto you is to refuse to tolerate the anger. This doesn't mean you go into lengthy arguments or defend yourself point by point when the person is upset; it means that you stand your ground with short statements backed by action.
This Christian relationship help shows you that you have a choice in how to respond to angry people. Which one you choose depends on the person you are dealing with and the nature of your relationship.
If you need more practical tips and Biblical truths to help you change your relationships, get my FREE "15-Day Relationship Challenge" designed to give you back the power over your life. Just click here: http://www.free15daychallenge.com Karla Downing is an author, speaker, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Bible study teacher. Karla's passion is to help people find freedom in Christ in the midst of their difficult relationships and circumstances through Biblical truths and practical tools. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karla_Downing
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