“Stirring Things Up” by Bill Bagents

 

DISCUSSION                                              

A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.

Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips

is bent on evil. –Proverbs 16:27-30 (NIV)

Proverbs 16:27-30 is disturbingly accurate. There are people who love to dig up trouble and trash. When they find it, they can’t wait to tell. They tell to sow strife and separate friends. Their work is evil and ungodly. Sadly, it’s also common and enticing.

Scripture offers us a stunningly better alternative. Instead of stirring up evil, Hebrews 10:24 invites us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Instead of digging up evil, Proverbs 17:9 says, “whoever covers an offense seeks love…” It’s the concept behind 1 Peter 4:8 when he says, “Above all, love each other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

It’s good to stir things up in a godly, encouraging, and faith-building way. Go forth and stir!

Prayer Requests:____________________________________________________________________________

 

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