Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Let’s face it. We all enjoy a juicy bit of gossip now and then. As wrong as that seems, most of us are guilty of stirring the pot, at one time or another. It’s not the worst thing we can do, right?
But God’s Word tells us that gossip is more indicative of hatred than love. Words can do more damage than any amount of physical harm. Gossip hurts. It tears down and wounds our spirits. It causes deep pain, which can take years to heal. And sometimes its wounds never heal, this side of eternity.
Love always protects, always heals, always builds up. Sometimes, it’s necessary to reveal hurtful information. But more often, we can just let things go and protect those around us from hurtful comments. We can keep our mouths shut, quit stirring the pot, and let conflicts die before they begin. Or at least, we can choose not to contribute to the conflict.
Hatred fans the flames of controversy and dissension without concern for who is hurt. Love, on the other hand, covers over wrongs. When love is exercised, conflict can be smothered before the damage gets out of control.
Dear Father, I want to build others up, not tear them down. Forgive me for stirring up conflict. Help me to show wisdom and love by refusing to contribute to gossip, controversy, and dissension. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2014 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Renae Brumbaugh Green.