Choose Not Strife

(Proverbs 26:21 KJV)  As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

What type of influence are you?  In these verses we see the effect we have on others.  Some people stir up “strife” (7379).  Some people are a calming influence.  There may be times where we are caught off guard.  In those cases there is little we can do but confess, repent, apologize and get on with life.  Wait, there is one more thing:  learn from the experience so it has less chance of recurrence.

We sometimes forget that little fact.  One of the reasons God allows us to go through trials is to season us.  We learn from experience.  For some it takes more experience than others.  The obvious point being made here is that stirring up conflict is not the way God wants us to be.

So?  Examine the dust you stir up.  If it is the dust of peace, well and good.  If it is the dust of strife, you are outside the will of God.  It is time to read I Corinthians 13 and apply active love.