WISDOM'S JOURNEY: What kind of neighbor are we? Proverbs 11:12
What kind of neighbor are we?
TODAY'S PROVERB: One who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but one with discernment remains silent. Proverbs 11:12
Have you noticed? There are a lot of people around us. And, sometimes they aren't very well behaved.
They're the ones with 25 items in the 10 item line at the grocery store. They cut us off in traffic. They litter. They don't clean up their doggy poop. You know, all those annoying things strangers do that get us angry.
What if those annoying people are in close proximity to us? Our neighbors? Co-workers? Not really friends or family, but people we see and perhaps interact with often? Ah, here is where discernment and grace come into play.
It's important to remember when it comes to folks who live or work around us that less is more, and, to choose our battles. If we complain to or complain about them to others over every little thing, we set ourselves up for heartburn and a very unpleasant environment.
Unless the offenses or behaviors are truly dangerous, it's best to keep silent and smile. We need to pray for them. Ask the LORD for discernment should an opportunity arise to talk with them. Lots of discernment.
By the way, they may think we're pretty annoying, too. What if we've been doing something we don't realize is hurtful to them? Really, us? Yes.
When we cover these frustrations in love and grace, amazing things can happen. Or, at least, we can avoid any unnecessary battles.
May we be discerning in dealing with our neighbors, my friends.
Proverbs, 11:12, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
Have you noticed? There are a lot of people around us. And, sometimes they aren't very well behaved.
They're the ones with 25 items in the 10 item line at the grocery store. They cut us off in traffic. They litter. They don't clean up their doggy poop. You know, all those annoying things strangers do that get us angry.
What if those annoying people are in close proximity to us? Our neighbors? Co-workers? Not really friends or family, but people we see and perhaps interact with often? Ah, here is where discernment and grace come into play.
It's important to remember when it comes to folks who live or work around us that less is more, and, to choose our battles. If we complain to or complain about them to others over every little thing, we set ourselves up for heartburn and a very unpleasant environment.
Unless the offenses or behaviors are truly dangerous, it's best to keep silent and smile. We need to pray for them. Ask the LORD for discernment should an opportunity arise to talk with them. Lots of discernment.
By the way, they may think we're pretty annoying, too. What if we've been doing something we don't realize is hurtful to them? Really, us? Yes.
When we cover these frustrations in love and grace, amazing things can happen. Or, at least, we can avoid any unnecessary battles.
May we be discerning in dealing with our neighbors, my friends.
Proverbs, 11:12, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
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