Welcome to 'RIC Understandable Reflection'. Since November 2021, I have been writing weekly reflections in Dutch for my church and others who are interested in the Bible. These reflections are sent through a WhatsApp list and shared on my website.
Last week, I met someone who wanted to read these reflections in English. Because of this, I decided to start translating them so more people can read them. From now on, I will share them in English as well.
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Please note: The reflections on this page change every week. Old ones are removed. May these words bless you, and may the Lord give you His grace and wisdom.
298 RIC A Biblical Message - Understandable Reflection
19-03-2025
Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
Reflection
Greetings, precious soul,
Today, I start this reflection with a question: How does your reaction affect the atmosphere of a conversation?
Imagine you are in a team meeting, and a difficult task needs to be assigned. Someone suggests that you should do it, but you feel it is not your responsibility. You respond with frustration: “Why do I always have to do this? Let someone else do it!” This creates tension in the group. The other person feels the need to defend themselves: “I work hard enough too!” Before you know it, there is unnecessary conflict in the team.
If you had responded calmly, saying: “I see this is a difficult task. Can we discuss who is best suited for it?” you could have avoided the problem.
Disagreements often start small: a single angry word, a harsh comment, or a demand that comes across the wrong way. But if you let it continue, it quickly grows into something big. It is like a small hole in a dam. At first, it seems small, but soon it gets bigger, the water breaks through, and then it is too late to stop it.
That is why it is wise to act immediately. As soon as you notice the first signs of disagreement, do something about it. Don’t let it grow. It is much easier to solve a small problem than to deal with a big conflict. Once things escalate, it is often too late. So, take action early before things get out of control. Prevention is always better than cure.
In James 1:19, we read: ‘So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.’ Take time to listen and think before you react. This helps to prevent words from causing harm.
Small moments make a big difference. Choose to bring peace instead of creating conflict. The Holy Spirit gives you the strength to set the right atmosphere!
Prayer
LORD, Triune God, we approach You in humility. You, our Father, have created us and call us to peace. You, Son, Jesus Christ, are our Redeemer, who has shown us how to walk in love and wisdom. You, Holy Spirit, are our Guide, who leads us in truth and gives peace to our hearts.
Teach us to respond with self-control, gentleness, and patience through Your strength, so that we may prevent conflicts and shine Your light. Work in us through Your Spirit, so that we may bear fruit that glorifies Your Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.