"Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him
who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:15

Words play a key role in almost every conflict. When used properly, words promote understanding and encourage agreement. When misused, they usually aggravate conflicts and drive people further apart. If your words seem to do more harm than good when you try to resolve a disagreement, don't give up. With God's help you can improve your ability to communicate constructively.

Have you felt like your words have "aggravated conflict" lately?

Maybe your words were careless--you just didn't think them through. Or maybe they weren't loving, true as they might have been. Remember, our words can either be powerful vessels of God's grace or can be the spark that sets the forest afire (see James 3:2-12). Reflect on your words during your last conflict. How would you characterize them? Pray that when you are "speaking the truth" today, it would be "speaking the truth in love."