The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
In a world where harshness often masquerades as strength, and cruelty is mistaken for candor, the Christian is called to a higher standard. We are not defined by the behavior of others, but by the Spirit within us. When we encounter those who are bitter, mocking, or combative, our response must reflect Christ—not our flesh. Peace is not always possible, but the pursuit of it is always commanded.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Gentleness is not weakness—it is divine strategy. When we respond to hostility with humility and calm, we disarm the enemy’s tactics. A soft answer is a shield, not a surrender. It protects our witness and preserves our peace. Let your words be seasoned with grace, even when others spit venom. The Spirit of God is not provoked by insult, and neither should we be.
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Blessing those who mistreat us is not natural—it is supernatural. It requires surrender, prayer, and a heart anchored in eternity. When we bless instead of retaliating, we declare that our hope is not in justice now, but in justice eternal. We represent a Kingdom not built on revenge, but on redemption. Let your blessings be louder than their curses.
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
We are not called to mirror the darkness—we are called to illuminate it. When we respond to evil with good, we testify of a power greater than pain. We become living epistles, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. Let your kindness be your protest, your mercy be your mission.
“LORD, Teach us to love those who are hard to love. Give us strength to bless when we are wounded, And wisdom to speak peace when provoked. Let Your Spirit guide our reactions, And Your Word shape our hearts. May we be vessels of light in a world of shadows, And ambassadors of grace in every relationship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
What a timely and incisive response for us today. Too often a Christian brother or sister issues a response that is no different than the offender’s and does not reflect the principles and commands of God to reflect Christ. Thank you, Camille, for reminding us of how Christ demonstrated His unconditional love to all people, including us.
Hello Sandra,
Thank you so much for your kind response, I am blessed that it touched you. It’s always a humbling experience when another author who is “writing for the LORD” writes an encouraging word on articles!
God Bless you abundantly
VERY GOOD
Thank you so much Keith
God Bless
EXCELLENT
Thank again Keith!
God Bless
Camille,
I love all your writings, but this one was really special. I printed it and my wife and I read it together in our family devotions. We certainly need to be reminded of these truths and to learn to reflect Christ especially in the difficult times.
Thanks. God bless!
Dale,
Thank you so much, I am beyond blessed to hear your kind words. When someone, with such a prolific background in the word, and one with a heart focused on the LORD encourages another author who writes for “God exclusively” it is humbling. And I thank the LORD for fellowshipping with all of your here in this forum. What a gift from above to be able to do this, as I’m sure you will readily agree given your amazing articles that you contribute to TBL.
God Bless you and your wife – and your ministry Dale.
Wonderful article that states how the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of His own. May the Lord help us to be mindful of those areas you pointed out so kindly.
When people view live interactions or videos and bickering gets out of hand, no one is a winner over their opponents. It looks ugly and even stupid. Words are thrown around and weapons can be drawn. Hostility reigns and violence takes hold. Minds get blurred while faces get red. In those moments confusion will set in and people put themselves in troubling positions.
How unruly our heart is when left to ourselves.
We long for peace but we react in ways that defy our hopes.
In God’s wisdom He demonstrated the way to handle such situations. From the beginning with Adam and Eve as they were in hiding to the clear yet strong examples Jesus expounded upon to drive the truth home to the crowds or even one individual. In brings out the truths of who we really are. Hopefully we turn to Him and not away from Him.
When Jesus was angry, it was righteous indignation for the corruption that was being used by religious leaders to fleece the multitude. Making God’s house into a den of thieves.
The Holy Spirit is likened as a symbol of a dove, gentle and pure. A bird that I enjoy listening to as it coos, like a calling that pulls me in.
I remember hearing Warren Wiersbe talk about a raven and a dove when Noah sent them both out to see if they would find dry land. I am paraphrasing because I can’t remember the exact words he spoke.
The raven didn’t return but the dove did not find any resting place for the sole of her feet so he took her in. After seven days , the dove was sent back out and returned with an olive leaf in her mouth. Again she was sent out but she found rest and didn’t return.
He made the application that the raven was a bird that would thrive on dead things and land on anything that was afloat but the dove is a bird that eats seeds and grain and they need a clean environment in order to thrive. They are also know as a symbol of peace. Thus we can connect the meaning of the workings of the Holy Spirit within us in the examples you share in this article.
Thank you for it is a great help. God bless your efforts.
Thank you so much, Cora, for your beautiful comment and the powerful examples you shared. Your words brought such clarity and encouragement, and I’m deeply grateful for the way you engaged with the post. It’s a blessing to witness how the Holy Spirit moves through thoughtful reflection and shared testimony.
All glory to the LORD, who continues to reveal His truth and presence through each of us. May He be magnified in every word, every insight, and every moment of connection.
God Bless you abundantly~