Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV: “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
Abomination: ‘a thing that causes disgust or hatred; a feeling of hatred’ Oxford Languages
Discord: a disagreement between people; lack of harmony between two notes sounding together.’ Oxford Languages
A lack of harmony!
Are you married, in a committed relationship, or living in a roommate environment? If you answered yes, then you know the meaning and feeling of discord.
When two or more individuals cohabitate, there will be differences in moods, actions, thoughts, ideas, and words. Something as simple as getting up on the wrong side of the bed can produce crankiness, irritability, and edginess that might be perceived as rude.
Uh-Oh, Discord! Even if words aren’t exchanged the air of contention can be felt! What do you do?
There are a couple of scenarios that come to mind. One, continue down the path of discord until a fight breaks out satisfying your carnal mood at the moment but then what? More discord, anger, the cold seeps in and you feel worse than before! Great!!!
OR
Pray about it! Go somewhere quiet, anywhere that you can sit, look up and talk to God. Give him your side of the story, complain about your slights, offer him your hurt feelings, and THEN ask for his guidance!
But remember, conversations are two-sided. Be ready for the Lord to reveal your hand in the situation. I remember Pastor Lynn always teaching: “Don’t go to the Lord with the demand to fix my spouse before asking him to fix you first.”
I hear her words often, making me stop, smile, giggle, and open my mind to my share of the responsibility within the problem.
I’m not writing to just the husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, partners and friends; it is true in any setting, whether church, work, or social. Anytime two or more people gather the more possibility of differences.
If we take a moment, ask God to show us the changes needed within us to change the outward. We might find a lot more peace and a lot less strife.
It’s certainly something to think about because I know what a difference it makes for me! 😉
Sunshine On My Shoulder 