And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…
Able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth 2 Tim. 2:24-25 NIV
It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman (man, child, spouse, co-worker, neighbor, politician, etc.) Prov. 21:19 ESV
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry James 1:19 NLT
Heavenly Father, the current political season in the USA has become an important mirror for me. In the midst of all the disrespectful name-calling and dismissive labeling, the one-sided diatribe and the one-liner sarcasm, I’m compelled to ask, “Am I like this? Is this the way I communicate my opinions and engage my neighbors? Am I the quarrelsome and fretful person that makes life in a desert-land attractive to others?” I hope not.
Father, forgive me when I lose sight of the real issues, fertilize my anger, and multiply my words. Forgive me when I let resentment trump reasonableness. Forgive me when I react out of irritation in the moment, rather than grace from above. I want to lead with kindness, not rightness. Loving is much more important than winning.
Show me the difference between righteous indignation and unrighteous aggravation. Convict me quickly when I lose sight of the occupied throne of heaven, resulting in meager faith and much fear—more gossiping than “gospel-ing.”
I know you’re not calling us to be passive in the face of injustice, or indifferent in the presence of real issues, or blasé about bad stuff. But rather than us “turning over tables,” would you “turn the tide” through us, as we seek to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with you? (Micah 6:8)
Father may your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. So very Amen I pray, in the mercy-full and mighty name of Jesus.
