Together in Christ: 'Bringing Peace, Not Conflict' — Proverbs 3:30

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Don't pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
— Proverbs 3:30 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus made a similar point when He told us:

"Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." [1]

The salt in us should be displayed by love, joy, and peace, not an attitude of confrontation and a desire to pick a fight or be confrontational so we can feel important. Paul made this point when he said:

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. [2]

The heart of a Jesus-follower, a person with a heart for God's Kingdom, is focused on "living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." [3] We seek to build unity, bring peace, and offer encouragement rather than draw attention to ourselves. Jesus' bottom line for us: Don't pick fights, either literally or figuratively!

[1] Mark 9:50.
[2] Romans 12:18.
[3] Romans 14:17.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me for the times I have complained, criticized, and created controversy. As the Holy Spirit transforms me into the person that You long for me to become, [A] please use me to build up Your people by comforting the hurting and encouraging those struggling. Please give me the strength to refuse to argue, fuss, and fight. Use me to bring Your blessing rather than trying to defend myself from unjust criticism and attack or even differences of opinion. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

[A] 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 17:18-26
  • Romans 12:9-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 3:30 NLT — Don't pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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