Pamela Bunn, Guest Writer

TODAY’S TREASURE

*Contention; **Enmity; ***Broad places

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:18

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:38-39

Isaac understood contention, having experienced it within his family among his parents, with his wife, and between his twin sons, and outside his family with others. Surely there had been lessons learned that his servants had observed. Each time the herdsmen from Gerar instigated quarreling, they moved on, trading contentious unrest for God's space of blessing. Perseverance begat peace begat blessing begat worship. (Genesis 21:8-11; 25:21-23,28; 26:6-11)

While there are definite times to stand firm on principle and hold our ground, there are many times the Lord would have us walk away from persnickety contention and enmity for His broader blessing. In the flesh, we push and assert our rights, want to prove ourselves, and win. But Jesus took the humble road for the greater purpose and bids us follow. The results are welcomed peace, heightened praise, and far-reaching witness, all of which bring glory to God. (Philippians 2:3-8)

APPLICATION

Where am I meddling in hostile, unhealthy places? What triggers to fiest and anger do I let perturb me? How do I pester and provoke in certain relationships or potentially combative situations? What would it take for me to turn in grace and leave the goading behind for Jesus's sake? What well of blessing might the Lord break forth if I would release conflict and antagonism and move on? What Rehoboth of gratitude and worship has the Lord prepared and bid me inhabit?

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PRAYER

Father, help me always choose Your way of humility and trust, reflecting in conflict the peace and reconciliation You generously offer, and magnifying Your glory as of highest worth.

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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.

Relationships - Contend or Content?