Most of us are “reactors.” When people treat us badly, we tend to react in the same way—badly. Then they react to our reaction. We react back, and so relationships spiral down into worsening clashes. One of us must take the first step to break the negative cycle. Stop reacting. Become proactive: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28 cf. Romans 12:14-21). Kindness is more likely to begin an upward cycle of positive reactions. So, which action or reaction do you choose? “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
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