Typically, when someone raises their voice to you, you raise your voice back. And, a likely scenario is that your voices—and the situation—keeps escalating.

Here’s a tip that if you can master, will save you a lot of heartache and conflict in your life: When other people raise their voice, lower yours.

The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

Gentleness defuses conflict. It deescalates anger. It’s called strength under control. When someone raises their voice in anger, instead of getting defensive, practice gentleness. Let your gentle answer disarm the other person and calm the situation.

“But the fruit of the Spirit [God’s Holy Spirit] is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)

Since gentleness comes from God, it carries with it divine power.

Inspired by a devotional written by Rick Warren; photo: Grandma and Grandpa’s baby goats