The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and do not do anything rash. You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples or blasphemed our goddess.” (Acts 19:35-37)
When one of my daughters was fourteen, she wanted to highlight her hair and saved the money to do so. I couldn’t face the realization that she was growing up and wanted a beauty treatment to feel pretty. I should’ve listened to her feelings and calmed her down before she did something rash. Instead, I gave a firm “no” to her pleas.
God tells us how to calm an angry crowd, friend, or a child. The city clerk listened, repeated their cause of anger, and found some truth in their cause. He was able to calm them before their anger got them into trouble.
If I would have listened to my daughter and seen truth in her feelings, we would have become closer. Instead, I led our relationship into turmoil.
Father, I praise You for the wisdom in Your Word. When I disagree with someone, help me find truth in what they are feeling. Help me remember that in winning battles, friendships are often lost. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.