Now that the holiday season has wrapped up and life is slowly returning to its usual rhythms, many of us feel the quiet urge to “reset.” The world calls it New Year, New Me.
But if you’re anything like me, you’re tired. Winter is still settling in, the house is just starting to feel calm again, and the last thing your heart needs is more pressure to reinvent yourself overnight. Growth doesn’t require a calendar page to turn. It often begins quietly, right where we are.
What I’ve been reflecting on lately isn’t resolutions — it’s recovery.
The Aftermath of Holiday Gatherings
Over the past few weeks, we gathered around tables and living rooms with friends, coworkers, family, and neighbors. And sometimes, tucked into those gatherings, was someone who made the room feel heavier.
You know the type.
The relative with a sharp comment disguised as concern.
The coworker who needles your faith.
The family member who seems to thrive on tension.
These moments don’t always explode into conflict — but they linger. And long after the decorations come down, the words spoken in passing can leave a quiet bruise on the heart.
When those interactions are unkind, they’re hard enough. When they come from fellow Christians, they can feel especially confusing.
When Faith Complicates the Hurt
Scripture reminds us that none of us are perfect. We are all sinners, all in need of grace. But grace does not mean ignoring harmful behavior, and humility does not require enduring cruelty.
I spoke with several friends who navigated tense or painful interactions during holiday gatherings — many involving people who share the same faith. Their question was one I’ve asked myself before: How are we supposed to respond when the unkindness comes from within the Church?
The Bible doesn’t shy away from this tension. In fact, it speaks directly to it.
Paul, Conflict, and Quiet Faithfulness
Paul knew opposition well — even from other believers. Before encountering Christ, he was a Pharisee who zealously persecuted Christians, even participating in the death of Stephen (Acts 7:54–8:3). After his conversion, Paul came to regard his former “righteousness” as rubbish (Philippians 3:4–8).
Later, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul acknowledges that some preached Christ out of envy and rivalry, hoping to stir trouble for him while he was imprisoned (Philippians 1:15–18). Yet Paul refused to meet hostility with hostility. His focus remained steady: that Christ be known.
Again and again, Paul points believers toward a different way — one marked by restraint, humility, and trust in God’s justice rather than personal retaliation.
What Scripture Gently Calls Us Toward
The Bible gives us clear — and challenging — guidance for dealing with difficult or toxic people:
- Be peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) - Live peaceably when possible
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) - Forgive with intention
“Bear with one another and forgive one another… as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) - Speak gently
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
This doesn’t mean we excuse sin or ignore harm. It means we respond from a place anchored in Christ — choosing wisdom over reaction, peace over pride.
Carrying Grace Into the New Year
As we step into a new year, perhaps the invitation isn’t to do more — but to respond differently.
If the holidays brought difficult conversations or strained relationships, let them soften rather than harden your heart. Pray for those who wounded you. Create boundaries where needed. And trust that God sees what you release into His care.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Grace does not mean weakness. Sometimes, it is the quiet strength of choosing peace — and walking away with your spirit intact.
Oh, indeed… so much beauty revealed in scripture for the hearts of man to be led to the fulfillment of our truest callings and living to His Truest intent! God BLESS you for this stunningly beautiful post!