"Don't embellish - don't dwell on it" - these were the words that woke me this morning - so I'm sharing it with you - perhaps it's a word in due season for someone today. Certainly, I'm taking it to heart.
Proverbs 6:16-19 AMPC
These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.
Ephesians 4:25-27
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbours the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
There are times when we fall out with even the closest of our friends and family. It's a fact of life.
So, practically, the Bible gives great advice on how to handle such situations, so that Satan doesn't use these conflicts to divide and separate!
It's vital to deal with any rift quickly. As it says in the passage: "don't let the sun go down while you're still angry".
Depending on our personality, we all deal with anger and offence differently. My nearest and dearest has an expressive, outgoing character, so he explodes, volcano-like, then forgets about it. I, however, have a tendency to internalise and dissect an issue, often finding meanings that aren't there. Hence giving Satan a chance to embellish an offence and prolong hidden anger.
Not all anger is seen and demonstrated - as my nearest & dearest often asks: "Why don't I see your anger?"
I have a ways to go in anger management, but I see the importance, in any dispute, to stick to the bare facts, deal face to face with the person involved then get over it quickly.
Harboured resentment can be kept simmering on the back burner of our spirit, ready to boil over at the least provocation. This can separate the closest friends and there are folk who are eager to embellish and help us dwell on an offence and exaggerate it.
Our Royal family is under such an attack, played out in the media, by accusations and, counter claims, perhaps "stretching" the facts out of all proportion. It's so sad to see brothers once so close now deeply divided by offence.
Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to deal with any unresolved issues at the foot of Jesus' Cross where all hurts were dealt with and absorbed in the healing wounds of Jesus.
Prayer
Father God, please forgive me for dwelling on old hurts. Help me to deal with issues quickly in Your way and move on - in Jesus' name.
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