Proverbs 12- Attitudes & 'Shade'

"Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults" Proverbs 12:16

Is it necessary to retaliate every time someone lies or "throws shade"? Does there always have to be a Twitter rant, an Instagram repost, or a Facebook status explaining how people should "stay in their lane"? As believers, we are instructed to love God and love people (Matt 22:34-40) and forgive those who have wronged us infinitely (Matt 18:21-22). No, these scriptures don't mean that we are to accept abuse, but if we are forced to be around negative people, show the love of Christ. However, if it's not necessary to be around those people, remove whoever and whatever disturbs the peace.

"Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise." Proverbs 12:18

Are you the person who's constantly negative with a short fuse? Repent and earnestly pray for God to soften your heart. He'll do it!

(Original Post: December 12)

Thousands of 'Friends'

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18 

In a time of social media, we are quick to call somebody a "friend." But of those thousands of friends and followers, how many would we inconvenience ourselves for? That could be taking them to the airport or listening to them vent after a long day at work. We show how much we care for people not only by what we say, but what we do. The Bible says that we are to recognize a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16-17). What is your fruit saying about you? Are your actions matching your declarations? 

(Original post: November 26)