Christian Ways to Defuse an Angry Person
What should we do when an angry person starts getting in our face and yelling at us? Here are some biblical ways to calm them down.
A few years ago, I was getting a ride home from a social event from my friend Alice (not her real name). Adele had had a bad day at work and was grieving because of the death of a loved one. I tried to express my condolences, but the more I talked, the more she blasted me. She yelled that I had no idea how she felt and said things that really hurt me.
I wanted to defend myself and clear up misunderstandings but realized doing that would make things worse. In the end, I shut up. I have had a few encounters like this and am always left wondering: did I do the right thing? Here are some biblical methods that I have found effective.
How to Deal With Angry Confrontations
Put safety first
When the confrontation begins, we should assess any possible risks. Some angry people can escalate into dangerous behavior and physical violence. If we feel that we are in danger, we should leave the situation as soon as possible. We may need to take further measures to ensure our safety such as avoiding the person or taking out a restraining order.
