Fist.

Fist.

There is an old saying that says "You can't shake hands with a fist". So many times I see people that have an opportunity to handle a situation a certain way, yet seem to find a way to become abrasive or aggressive. They don't realize that they are trying to "Shake hands with a fist". They are unaware that rather than helping the problem, they are part of the problem.

Christ calls us to be peacemakers. He even says that the peacemakers are blessed, which is the opposite of what the worldview of a peacemaker is. A peacemaker is generally viewed as being passive or wimpy, but rather, according to Jesus, they will be blessed.

I admit I am quick to jump to conclusions and I tend to be a little straightforward and abrasive. But, most of the time, I am able to keep a calm head and think through the situation. There is no need to be a hot head or getting into a battle of ego's. You might not realize it, but you are the one who will suffer the most from it.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When someone offers you a hand, don't give them a fist, even if they really deserve it.

Matthew 5:9 (Amplified)
⁹Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!

Proverbs 15:1-4
¹A SOFT answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. ²The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly. ³The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good. ⁴A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.