30 Wisdom SayingsPrimjer

SAYING 3: DON'T PLAY WITH FIRE

We are communal creatures and we mimic one another’s behavior.  Anger, hatefulness, or bullying are not worth our energy to duplicate.  Have you ever made an innocent comment online?  A firestorm of acidic comments ensues.  You end up frustrated and deleting your comment or shutting out the conversation altogether.  You realize that the internet is filled with haters.  You are not a hater, but it takes effort not be an angry, mean-spirited cynic when influenced by one. 

The easily angered are exhausting to be near, for it feels you must always avoid their landmines so as not to set them off. Promote peaceful conversation that works toward mutual understanding and not explosion. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

Peacemaker God shows us how to multiply peace in our relationships.  When promoting peace, we are most like God. When people are raging, do not match their rage with your own rage.  Instead, disarm anger with grace and calm. Be careful of who you let influence you, and be the person who brings peace!

- Pastor Kim McManus

ACTION

If you are in a room with an emotional temperature that is heating up, either change it or get out!

PRAYER

God, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You today.  May I promote peace wherever I go.