Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 17:13-16
Prov 17:13-16
If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike, an abomination to the Lord. Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?
Heb 12:12-15
Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;…
When there is a small leak in a dam, it can be repaired easily. When the dam breaks and the water is let loose, it will not be stopped. When we have our differences with others, we can talk about it and settle the matter (even if we only agree to disagree). But when we allow strife to take over us and the emotional battle begins, it is much more difficult for us to fix the problem. This may be why Jesus said that if we have something against someone, or if someone has something against us, we are to go to them and settle the matter.
In almost every discussion we find in the New Testament about when we don’t agree with others or when we have our differences, the text will also include an admonition for us to not get in their way of serving God and for us to help them and encourage them. We are to strive for peace with everyone. This is why Paul says we are to get rid of all bitterness, rage, and malice. He then says to replace these with kindness, gentleness, and love like the love that God has for us.
O Lord God, give me a pure heart and a heart of love that works hard for peace with everyone. Help me stand for truth, and to always speak it with a heart of love, but to never use my understanding of truth to cause division or bitterness. Thank you for loving me and teaching me how to love. Forgive me when I fail to love others as you love me. Be with our nation and give us leaders who will allow us to live peacefully and to continue to have freedom to worship you. Give me wisdom to know your will for me and strength to do it. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord and my King.
Robert
