Q. How should we react when other people hurt us, or they claim that we hurt them?

P. Seek to Ground our identity and security in Christ, so we can respond with curiosity and compassion rather than fear or anger

When I feel threatened, my natural instinct is either fear (giving in) or anger (taking over). I am learning that neither of these is very effective at spreading the Kingdom of God; though both may be expedient in terms of protecting the self, at least in the short term.

Conversely, when the challenge is not in an area that threatens my identity, I find myself relaxed and eager to engage with understanding all sides of the issue. I am able to focus on ensuring that others feel heard, and become confident enough to explore creative ways of solving the underlying problems.

How do we build a community and practices where all of us can feel safer confronting the emotional issues that define both our identities and our differences?