This is what will stop contentions!

There is much debate in this nation as to how words can stir up anger, hatred and strife. This is such a powerful truth. Proverbs 15:18 (AMP) says: “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes.” Another version (AMPC) says: “he who is slow to anger appeases contention”. When we let anger take over our mental and emotional states, it removes the logical and common sense filters that allow us to “think before speaking or acting”. We then go on a word or action tirade, and once it’s finished, the damage is done. We have probably hurt others with our words or actions, and might even have destroyed relationships. In some cases, people can lose their job, their spouse, a friend, and in some cases, even land in jail for hurting or even killing someone in a fit of rage. Ephesians 4:26 (EHV) says:“ Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”. It’s not a sin to be angry. What is a sin is if you allow your anger to control your actions, thoughts and decisions, thus causing you to do things that are sinful in nature. Anger can be used constructively. You can break a bad habit if you get angry enough to begin the process of breaking the habit. In many cases, people will not do anything about a problem until they have had it and they can’t take it any more. Anger is a good servant but a bad master. So instead of immediately  giving in to anger, be slow to anger. Let patience have it’s work in the midst of the challenges of life. In doing so, you will be known as the person who can appease or calm potentially dangerous contentions and disputes. This way, issues will be resolved instead of relationships being destroyed. God is the God of peace, not of dissension and contention! We are His people, so let’s flow with His nature!

Take His yoke instead!

We all have burdens that we carry. Some burdens are so heavy that they tend to overwhelm and weaken whoever is carrying them. Our Lord Jesus understands that, so in Matthew 11: 28-30,  He said this: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He instructs us to take His yoke upon us instead of whatever we are currently carrying. His yoke is saving, healing and restoring mankind to fellowship with the Father. In other words, when we put aside our issues and instead help others get connected with God, that is where we begin to experience rest for our souls. Something happens when we become selfless like Jesus. Most people are selfish and are only interested in what they could get from others. However, when we take on Jesus’ yoke, and begin to minister to others, even when we are experiencing issues of our own, we will see how God will set others free through our sacrifice of service, and in the process, God will give us the peace that passes understanding. We will begin to experience rest from our issues and challenges. The joy of the Lord will well up within us as we see others helped and delivered through our actions and prayers. Take His yoke upon you. Learn from Him, and watch how divine rest, peace and joy will fill your soul.