Learning to De-EscalateSample

With Family

De-escalating with your family is crucial. Few things make life more miserable than family turmoil. Often, these conflicts begin with small grievances and nitpicking, escalating into heated arguments over opinions and trivial matters.

Trust me, I’ve been through it more times than I can count. Every argument leaves someone hurt or feeling disrespected, and everyone is unhappy. It’s essential to prioritize others’ needs over your own. Jesus exemplified this, putting our salvation before His own comfort.

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:12-13:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 teaches:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Jesus’s teachings revolve around forgiveness. As Christians, we should strive to mirror His actions. When we fall short, we should humbly repent, seek reconciliation, and make peace. Family is rooted in love, and love requires humility, forgiveness, and grace—no matter who is “right.”