"The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts." -Proverbs 17:14
King Solomon, the author of the Proverbs, was given a gift from the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 1:7, "God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'" Solomon simply asked for wisdom.
Today we are the beneficiaries as we read pearl after pearl of wisdom in the book of Proverbs.
Today's verse is no exception for it needs no interpretation. For how many times in our lives have small disagreements opened the floodgates of contention. And of course, rather than offering an apology while the faucet of contention is slowly dripping, we wait until the faucet is all the way open and the waters of strife are soaking not only our lives but also the lives of many around us. Usually about that time, the faucet handle remains stuck in the open position and seemingly will not move.
King Solomon, the author of the Proverbs, was given a gift from the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 1:7, "God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'" Solomon simply asked for wisdom.
Today we are the beneficiaries as we read pearl after pearl of wisdom in the book of Proverbs.
Today's verse is no exception for it needs no interpretation. For how many times in our lives have small disagreements opened the floodgates of contention. And of course, rather than offering an apology while the faucet of contention is slowly dripping, we wait until the faucet is all the way open and the waters of strife are soaking not only our lives but also the lives of many around us. Usually about that time, the faucet handle remains stuck in the open position and seemingly will not move.
There is an antidote: A perfect pipe wrench to close any faucet of contention. It's called forgiveness. Freely seek forgiveness and grant forgiveness. Jesus taught us the meaning in Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Jesus does not say forgive when the other person deserves it, or when the pain goes away, or when you feel like it. Jesus simply said forgive as the Father has forgiven you.
One man, a bit later in Matthew 18 asks Jesus, "But how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
Jesus responds saying, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
My friends, Jesus has forgiven us much, and certainly more than any of us deserve. But how much do you trust Him? Are you willing to do just as Jesus asks, and forgive that one person who has hurt you more deeply than any other? A completely new world awaits you when you do and you will feel a peace that passes all understanding.
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PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, because You have forgiven me, I can forgive (name their name). Father, I forgive them. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Whom do you need to forgive? Were you able to pray the prayer above, and do just that? How did you feel after you released that person to God through forgiveness?
By Jim Penner-Hour Of Power
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