Pondering Proverbs

Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Or as the Message paraphrases, “It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts,[c] so don’t let it begin.”

What riles you, what causes you to become enraged. In letter of James we read, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?  You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.”

A group of American tourists were taking a bus tour in Rome led by an English-speaking guide. Their first stop was a basilica in a piazza, which was surrounded by several lanes of relentless Roman traffic. After they were all safely dropped off, the group climbed the steps for a quick tour of the church.

Then they spread out to board the bus, which was now parked across the street from the church. The frantic guide shouted for the group to stay together. He hollered out to them, "You cross one by one, they hit you one by one. But if you cross together, they think you will hurt the car! They won't hit you."

There is always much to be said for unity, especially unity of the Spirit and that unity starts with my attitude to another.

Paul writing to the church in Galatia said,  Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.“ Galatians 6:1-3

Heavenly Father,  let your Holy Spirit teach us how to put other people first just the way you put us first by giving up your only Son to die on the cross for us.  May we experience your love on a new and deeper level that we may be able to love one another with the love of Christ.  May we start putting the interests of others before our selfish interests from this day forward.  In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray, Amen.