Mark 16:15
October 4, 2023
FEAST OF SAINT MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA, APOSTLE OF DIVINE MERCY – 5th OCTOBER
October 5, 2023
THE 4th of OCTOBER
IT IS EASIER TO AVOID STRIFE THAN TO STOP IT
The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. – Proverbs 17:1
When we start to argue with someone, we may not have much to say at first, but as the disagreement develops, we may say hurtful things that later we may wish we had never said. Human nature is very good at arguing, putting itself first, blaming others for everything that goes wrong and handling things in very selfish ways. Then, there is the evil one who never misses an opportunity to bring division and destroy relationships. He tries his best to put more bad words in our mouths and keep the arguments going.
As Solomon had said, it is wiser to abandon the quarrel before it starts and the tempers of those involved get out of hand. The comparison with the water that is held up by a dam is very suggestive; if we make a small break, the water will trickle at first, but then as the break enlarges, it will gush out and destroy the dam. The same thing happens with the replies of those involved in a quarrel. The words once said cannot be taken back and can cause deep hurt. Many relationships have been destroyed because the two went on and on with strife, hurting each other.
SUGGESTED PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the warnings from Your Word. You are the God of peace, unity, and love. Your Word teaches us to continually pursue peace with all people and holiness if we want to see You. Please help me choose my battles and not fight when You do not want me to. I love to have peace and joy, so please help me stop any contention before the quarrel starts and ruins my peace. Thank You Lord for the Holy Spirit, my Helper and Counselor, that teaches me how to behave so that His fruit of peace, joy, love, self-control, and patience can be manifested in my life more and more. Thank You Lord God, in the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Source:
thetruthstandsforever
