Vengeful Words

As I look back over that time I realise that I was presented with many opportunities to pull the other person down.

Job 11:1-20

Reference: v.5 Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: A little while ago I found myself in conflict with another person.  It’s funny how a disagreement is rarely black and white.  There was so much history and so many variables, and then it was like each day something new was added in to the mix. As I look back over that time I realise that I was presented with many opportunities to pull the other person down.  Whether it was in a one-on-one conversation with someone or in a written response to a wider group, I often found myself with a decision to make.  I could either say exactly how hurt I felt or I could choose to talk about the positive options I had before me.  I even found that other people would encourage me to take the harsh option and could justify why that would be ok.  But time and time again I found myself knowing which action was right. Most of the time my vengeful desire wanted to do what was wrong, but I found it really clear in my mind what was really right.

Application: Life is not always clear-cut and we are often surrounded by well-meaning people who don’t always give us the right guidance.  At the end of the day we are responsible for our own actions and we have a choice in how we respond.  Often we do actually know what is right, it just feels better initially when we act on how we feel instead.  It’s great to have people around us to encourage us but we still need to take responsibility for the actions we take.

Prayer: Lord, Job had some close friends around him but they didn’t always give him the right advice.  Help us to be discerning of who we listen to and take responsibility for the actions we take.  Amen.

What have you said about someone else in the last 24 hours?  Have all your words been uplifting?

Job