The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. Proverbs 17:14
Being right is the goal of most people. They do not want to be wrong in what they say or do. In desiring this, many will fight for their right to be right and the other person to be wrong.
Although most people call these types of things discussions or setting someone right, it is often a quarrel. It is fighting against what someone else is saying or doing.
In most every case there is usually one who is partially right and one who is partially wrong. Neither one is perfectly right or wrong in most cases. Yet, both will fight for the way.
Solomon states that starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam. When a dam is breached, the water comes flowing out in a flood destroying everything in its path.
Quarrels often start with light talk, but quickly escalate into fights, sometimes just verbal, sometimes physical. They quarrels can last for years destroying marriages, families, friendships, businesses, and much more.
Believers are also known to start many quarrels. They will argue and fight with unbelievers for what they believe or do not believe. Not only do they quarrel with unbelievers, but will do so with other believers in the church. Quarreling over what music to worship to, how long the service should be, and much more.
Quarreling with a person does not show love, but hatred. It is selfish and demanding that self is right and the other person is wrong. It will open the floodgates of the dam and destroy everything.
Jesus never quarreled with people. He did not argue or even discuss. He made a statement and left it there, His words were just the facts and nothing more. He also loved everyone.
Opportunities to quarrel will often show up in your life. You will have a choice as to what you will do with those opportunities. As a follower of Jesus, you are to be like Him in every way. Do not quarrel. Don’t give into the selfish desires to be right every time.
Know who you are in Jesus and stand on that, but do not demand it of others. Stop the quarreling and mend the relationship before the dam breaks and destroys your life and the lives of many others. Let the argument go and love instead.
I pray today that you will know the love of God for others; that you will know who you are in Jesus; that God will give you the words to speak; that God will help you remove all selfishness; and that God will guide you to build relationships, not destroy lives.
Photo by Noureddine BOUABDALLAH on Unsplash
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