Proverbs 21:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God says...

“A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.” (Proverbs 21:14 NKJV)

Gift giving is good when done in secret for a godly reason. It prevents catastrophic events of conflict and war. Yes, it pacifies anger, deep-seated hatred and strong wrath. It can cement a strong bond of friendship between persons, peoples and nations. Enemies are turned to friends with the custom of gift exchange in the context of mutual respect and love.

However, on the other side of the coin, every good thing can also be used by the forces of darkness in evil ways. There are characters that use gift-giving in secret the wrong way. They transform it into an abhorrent act of bribery. These forces go around the circles of power to corrupt dispensation of justice and public services. They use it to buy freedom for the guilty at the expense of the innocent. Some use it to get ahead in areas of worldly activities and trample on the rights of many-especially the weak and unprivileged.

As children of God by faith in Jesus, we are to keep our intentions pure and ensure, with the 'good' things we do, no one is adversely impacted. Led by the Holy Spirit by faith and total dependence in the Lord, our actions must always be guided by the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ at His Sermon on the Mount: ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)

He further said: "Your giving should be done in secret. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4 NCV)

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
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