Christian Comment AS I write these few words, the government has just won Commons support for plans to renew the UK's Nuclear Submarine System.

When the US Navy was testing a new torpedo back in 1962, it encountered a strange problem.

Whenever the sonar device sent out a targeting sound, it would be answered from under water.

These mysterious answers caused the torpedo to go off course.

For two years the Navy tried to find the source of the interference.

Finally, they discovered that the sounds came from dolphins trying to make friends with the torpedo! Friendliness was literally making a weapon ineffective.

Friendliness can often be disarming in a different way, diffusing anger and hostility.

These feelings often grow out of hurt or fear, and friendliness can calm and reassure.

Even if your first reaction to unkindness is retaliation, try something better.

You just might gain a friend.

Solomon writing in the book of Proverbs in the Bible gives some excellent advice when he says A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger' Revd Colin James Elim Pentecostal Church.