document.write("<div class=\"CBMCMondayManna\">\n");
    document.write("    <!-- content -->\n");
    document.write("    <h1>Today's Monday Manna Devotional</h1>\n");
    document.write("    <p style=\"font-size:.9em;\">Monday, March 8 2010</p>\n");
    document.write("    <h3>The Soothing Power of a Kind Gesture</h3>\n");
    document.write("Some time ago, my wife and I were celebrating our anniversary at a favorite restaurant.&nbsp;As we finished our main course, our server brought us a very nice dessert, compliments of Lily, an acquaintance we had seen at the restaurant earlier in the evening.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Because of some unpleasant experiences we had had with Lily in the past, we were extremely surprised to find ourselves beneficiaries of her unexpected generosity.&nbsp; As we left the restaurant, we took with us a newfound appreciation for her benevolent nature, one of Lily&#39;s characteristics that we had previously not been aware of.<br />&nbsp;<br />In the workplace, most of us have learned that it is not uncommon to encounter tension in relationships, and even have feelings of anger over any number of issues. Sometimes the tension is a positive outcome of creative conflict, but often it is the result instead from competition, envy, jealousy, or simple animosity between people that are very different in personality, values or objectives. Although such circumstances can be seen as normal in the everyday course of events, they should not be ignored. They can become harmful and counterproductive if not addressed properly. We must learn how to confront these issues and resolve them if we are to maintain effective, long-term working relationships.<br />&nbsp;<br />Thinking back to the situation involving Lily, I was reminded of a passage in the Bible&#39;s Old Testament. Proverbs 21:14 teaches, <em>&quot;A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.&quot;</em><br />&nbsp;<br />It may sound simplistic, but sometimes showing kindness and generosity in the form of a gift can serve to pacify anger. If you find a relationship with someone in need of some &quot;smoothing over,&quot; you might want to consider the power of a gift.<p>This does not mean we can - or should - always seek to &quot;buy&quot; our way out of interpersonal conflicts. Often the best course of action is simply to approach the individual you find yourself at odds with and attempt to discuss the problem in a civil, tactful manner. As another biblical passage tells us, <em>&quot;A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered&quot; </em>(Proverbs 17:27). Another verse expands on this idea: <em>&quot;Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down&quot; </em>(Proverbs 26:20). If we can appropriately address a cause of disagreement or conflict, without adding fuel to the fire, we may be able to heal a damaged relationship.</p><p>There is a truism, however, that actions speak louder than words. Along with verbal expressions of apology or the desire for reconciliation, a kind act can confirm the genuineness of our intent. This could involve, as with Lily, a small surprise gift. Or it could be something as simple as a card or note to the individual, communicating in writing your concern and desire to move past the source of strife. </p><p>Without such a gesture, conflict might persist indefinitely. As Proverbs 18:19 reminds us, <em>&quot;An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.&quot; </em>If you have any unresolved differences with someone, now would be a good time to start resolving them.</p><p><em>Copyright 2010, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from &quot;Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx,&quot; a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick&#39;s daily Integrity Moments visit</em> <a href=\"http://www.integrityresource.org/\" title=\"blocked::http://www.integrityresource.org/\">http://www.integrityresource.org/</a>.</p><p>Reflection/Discussion Questions</p><p>1. Thinking about the kindness that Lily did for Rick Boxx and his wife, in buying them a dessert following their dinner, has anyone ever done something like that for you? How did you react, or how would you react if someone were to make such a gesture for you? </p><p>2. Be honest: Can you think of any nagging, unresolved conflict that you have with someone right now - a family member, a friend, or someone you work with? If so, how did this situation come about and what, if anything, could you do in seeking to get the problem resolved?</p><p>3. Does the idea of buying a gift for someone - regardless of the size or value - as an &quot;olive branch&quot; (to settle a dispute) seem acceptable to you? Why or why not?</p><p>4.&nbsp;Do you think it is important to at least try and resolve every interpersonal conflict, or do you view unpleasantness in some relationships as an inevitable reality of life? Explain your answer.</p><p><em>NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages:</em></p><p>Proverbs 15:17, 16:24, 17:1,14, 18:16, 28:2; Matthew 5:21-26, 18:15-19</p>");    document.write("    <!-- /content -->\n");
    document.write("    </div>\n");
    document.write("    <hr>\n");
    document.write("<p>A service of <a href=\"http://www.cbmcint.org/\">CBMC International</a></p>\n");