Putting Out Fires

Without wood a fire goes out;without gossip a quarrel dies down.

Proverbs 26:20 (NIV)

There’s a billboard along the road in Indiana that reads, “He who throws dirt . . . loses ground.” Why would someone in Indiana hoist such a sign for all to see? Perhaps he’d seen way too much fighting and feuding. It was his way of saying, “Knock it off.”

Conflict, differences of opinion, even arguments happen. They are just all part of life. Even great men of God like Paul the apostle and his good friend Barnabas once had a sharp disagreement. In some ways differences can be a good thing if we’re committed to building bridges instead of burning them. They can stretch our patience, hone our communication skills, and most important, test our obedience to the Lord’s command in Colossians 3 to forgive and forget. “If anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (v. 13, NKJV).

I heard some great advice from a wise, older man. When you are offended or angry with someone, stop and consider, How significant will this be in twelve months? In the heat of the moment, molehills can seem like mountains, but over time, mountains can seem like molehills. And as our proverb tells us today, if there is no fresh wood like gossip thrown in the fire, the fire just goes out.

A four-year-old boy decided he’d try reciting the Lord’s Prayer. He prayed this version: “And forgive us our trash baskets, as we forgive those who trash basket against us.” Actually, if you’re stewing about a conflict or quarrel with someone, that’s a pretty good prayer. Now that I think of it, I think I’ll pray it myself.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

A quarrel, like a fire, needs fresh wood to keep it going. However, long after the flame has died, there might still be some hot coals lying under the ash. Once the heat of the moment has passed, we may think we are over it. But unless we honestly take the situation to the Lord and let his Spirit douse the lingering embers, they can rise up as flames of anger even years later.

Let’s Pray

O Holy Spirit, please pour over my heart and mind. If there are lingering coals of grudges and resentment lying buried within me, wash them away. Help me to see everyone as someone you love. Change my heart so that I do indeed love them.

One Year Bible Reading

Lamentations 1:1–2:22; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20