Proverbs 14:14-18
A mean person gets paid back in meanness,
a gracious person in grace.
The gullible believe anything they’re told;
the prudent sift and weigh every word.
The wise watch their steps and avoid evil;
fools are headstrong and reckless.
The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret;
the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.
Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;
wise realists plant their feet on the ground.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’ve all been there…someone has said something mean or derisive to us, and it stung. And maybe this changed our relationship with that person for a long time – if not permanently! Words matter. Actions matter! And too many people speak and act with the attitude that their opinions and attitudes are superior – or at best, they think they will “seek forgiveness later.” This is not the behavior of a faithful, obedient servant of God…and no amount of “spit and polish” is going to make this palatable.
I like to think I am not someone who holds grudges – or keeps score. I can offer you a list of things that have been said and done to me that changed my life (or my relationship with someone) for the better – and others that left a lasting, negative impression. Words and actions have the power to change hearts and minds, so we need to make sure that what we offer to the world comes from God – and not the devil.
Let’s ask God to give us a spirit of patience and thoughtfulness. Let’s ask Him to help us weigh every word and action – even when split-second decisiveness is needed. Let’s ask God to help us operate fully in His truth, in the reality of His love, grace, mercy, and kindness. Let’s ask God to grant us wisdom, discernment, and restraint! The world could use more of all these qualities…and God will help us deliver them in abundance. All we have to do is ask Him. Alleluia!
©2024 Debbie Robus
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