Learning to De-EscalateNäide

With Authorities

Many young people find themselves in trouble because they fail to de-escalate with authorities, such as police officers or security personnel, leading to severe consequences.

I’ve taught my sons to approach authority with humility and respect. It avoids misunderstandings and diffuses potential conflict.

When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter escalated the situation by cutting off a soldier’s ear. Jesus immediately de-escalated, healing the soldier and reprimanding Peter.

“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

If Jesus, with all His power, chose peace, so should we.