Strife

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.

Hatred is a powerful thing. There isn't really anything you can say that could argue the opposite in this verse.

Do you hate anyone, any situation? I don't have hatred towards any one person but I do have some sensitive areas in my life that can get worked up in a hurry. Do you have something you don't let go of?

Me, it is when people make excuses. I don't want your excuses. Seriously...I don't know why it bothers me so bad, it is seemingly a harmless matter and most of the time people make excuses in order to not hurt someones feelings. When people I love start to make excuses for the places they are in life...why they can't do this, why they can only do that....I almost crawl out of my skin. I suppose this is where I need to learn to be more compassionate. You see, once someone says their excuse I have a tendency to call people on it. It is me stirring the strife, honestly. I haven't ever thought of it that way until now but that is what it is. I really make no attempt to be loving or kind or helpful, I just want them to know they are giving me a line and I am not going to fall for it.

So, in the words of wise Solomon I should learn to love. Yes, the love that forgives people there transgressions. The kind of love people need in their lives. The love I have abundantly been given in my time of need. Because in the end, the excuses don't matter. And whatever it is that hated stirs in your life, that two has little consequence on the grand scheme of life. Forgiveness and love are so much bigger and have the eternal consequence we all hope for.

Heavenly Father~You amaze and delight me in your Word today. Your Word, so relevant and true, even to me and where I am at in my life. Give me a heart to love, a love that covers transgression. Remind me what I have been forgiven so that I too can give that forgiveness away to others. Soften my heart to the things that tempt me with feelings of hatred, show me your way in those situations. May the next time I begin to stir up strife, I turn and focus on you. ~In Your Precious Holy Name

Please Pray for Sam Y this week......