How to pause, listen, and respond (not react) during workplace tension—anchored in God’s steady love.
The Daily CHEW™
CHEW on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
A Moment of Tension
It was a tense moment—a colleague’s sharp comment cut into a high-stakes meeting. My first instinct? Defend, justify, or fire back. But somewhere in the swirl, I felt that deeper ache: what if my reaction only escalates things? As a leader committed to both excellence and integrity, these crossroads come more often than I’d like. Even seasoned professionals know the sting of spoken-in-haste regrets.
Where This Lands for Us
Maybe you’ve felt the same—heartbeat quickening during feedback, an urge to “correct the record,” or the temptation to retreat. Maybe unresolved workplace tension eats at you longer than you want to admit, and all the best leadership books still leave you scrambling for what to actually do in the heat of the moment.
What’s Really Underneath
Every leadership conflict isn’t just a test of self-control—it’s a window into where our hearts seek refuge. Beneath the urge to react is the longing for validation, to protect reputation, or to ensure our voice is heard. But the Gospel offers something better: God’s steadfast love anchors us in belovedness so that our security can’t be threatened by another’s tone or misunderstanding. In Christ, reacting gives way to responding—grace-filled, courageous, and clear.
Let’s CHEW Before We Move
Join me and pause for a real reset—not another tip, but an actual space for God’s steadying voice before the next conversation or reply.
CHEW in 3–5 Minutes:
Take three slow breaths—remember God’s love is steadying you, even if tension lingers.
Adore: “Father, You are present and involved in this conflict—loving me before I fix or defend anything.”
Confess: “What’s really stirring in my heart? Is it defensiveness, fear of being misunderstood, anger, or disappointment?”
Hear: “What truth or promise from God do I most need right now?”
- “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19)
- “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
- “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Exchange: “If I really believed God’s love is steady and unchanging, how would that change how I respond in conflict or tense situations?”
“Maybe I would pause instead of reacting quickly, letting patience shape my words and actions.”
“Maybe I’d feel safe enough to be honest and present, rather than putting up walls to protect myself.”
“Maybe I would care less about “winning” the argument and more about learning, understanding, and letting God transform the conversation.”
Walk: What’s one small step I can take—maybe pause before replying, invite a follow-up conversation, or extend grace with a kind word instead of a rebuttal?
Thanksgiving & Worship
Thank you, God, for being unshaken by my conflicts. Focus my heart on your kindness and composure as I move back into the conversation.
Remember This
Growth in conflict resolution is rarely perfect. Every honest pause, each Spirit-shaped response (not reaction), is a win. God’s delight is in our trust, not our smoothest performance.
CHEW On This™
If God’s steadfast love always invites me to respond with grace, how would that change the way I engage conflict at work, at home, or within myself?
Invite the Circle
Try practicing a CHEW before or after the next tough conversation—share this rhythm with your team, family, or group. When we pause and invite God’s voice into conflict, not only do tempers settle—real transformation takes root (Why You Can’t CHEW Alone).
Select Resources:
Using CHEW with SALVES- A Practical Tool for Real Heart Change
When Relationships Hit Reality: How God’s Love Transforms Conflict Into Connection
Resource Blog: Using CHEW on This™ with Scripture Memory and Meditation—Letting God’s Word Take Root
From One Question to All-In: My Journey to CHEWing on God’s Love Day and Night
Want More?
Get The Daily CHEW™ for Gospel-centered guidance every day.
Ready for lasting change? Make CHEW a daily rhythm.
With you in the journey,
Ryan
CHEW on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
Was this helpful?
