“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14 NIV)
Using the analogy of a dam (imagine one breaking up), this passage is reminding that, if a tiny crack is made in the concrete wall of a dam or dike, seeping water does not stay a small drip, but it quickly eats away at the opening and violently escapes in a rushing torrent. In the same way, a fight will erupt quickly, if it is not ended at the very early start.
A drip, drip, drip of nags and swipes of complaints and criticisms make a crack in every relationship. Like a dam, it must be dealt with and repaired to stop it right there to avoid breaking into a torrential deluge of devastating confrontation. Nasty comments and murmurings to one another between parties in a relationship must be stopped before it explodes into a big fight where regrettable consequential damage could ensue. It has to be dealt with right in the base of the heart where anger may be developing. Replace that resentment with wholesome thoughts. Step back, turn around and come to the throne of grace of our Savior Yeshua, Christ Jesus - the Prince of Peace. We, His redeemed, are warned - “And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT)
So, rather, let us abide by the refreshing power of God's Word. Let the promptings of the Holy Spirit empower us to restrain emotions we can't avoid but pick up in our daily exposure to the harsh terrains of this world. Here's Apostle Paul's counsel what we should do: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9 NLT)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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