#avoid conflict

"A person’s strengths are often also weaknesses. I admired Paul’s resistance to outside pressure, but he could be, to my mind, obtuse. Contained, deliberate, and slow to anger, he avoided conflict and detested it when I raised my voice. I, on the other hand, am a match. I burst into flames, but my fire goes out as quickly as it ignites. I beg for forgiveness and make up as soon as possible."

Let’s face it, writing manipulative characters is so much fun. Unfortunately, people do this in real life too. This post will help you build your deceitful character (and also help you identify when you are being manipulated in real life). Manipulation is a form of aggression. We all understand it when it’s overt, but covert manipulation is harder to detect. And, when the person doing the…

Hi anon,

Thanks for the question!

Certain types of people should be avoided. Here’s what God’s books teach:

“Don’t follow the bad example of cruel and evil people. Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them.”

“Stay away from foolish people; they have nothing to teach you. Why is a clever person wise? Because he knows what to do. Why is a stupid person foolish? Because he only thinks he knows.

Trying to change or engage with ‘foolish’ people will do more harm than good. The best way to love them is to leave them alone, and let them deal with the consequences of their actions.

Another proverb to consider:

“God hates the ways of evil people, but loves those who do what is right. If you do what is wrong, you will be severely punished; you will die if you do not let yourself be corrected.”

This is not God threatening to kill people; it’s a warning. Death, both physical and spiritual, is the ultimate destination for people who keep doing wrong.

Nonetheless, God commands kindness.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and God will reward you.”

Your enemies think you’re evil. Your enemies want you to fight. If you’re kind to them instead, they’ll be taken off guard, and forced to examine their own actions.

Ultimately, kindness is the best revenge; it’s harder to hate someone who is gentle, loving, and generous. Bigots are looking for a reason to justify hate. You ‘win’ by not giving them one.