August 29

Beyond Quarreling

…to receive a mutual enrichment each must listen in turn as if seeking something of which to approve.

Proverbs 17
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.

There are those who get their adrenalin rushes from arguing. They are like sharks on the prowl who are excited when blood is drawn. They seek to dominate, not explain; to win, not find common ground; to create confusion, not to resolve. There is a way to disagree. However, to receive a mutual enrichment each must listen in turn as if seeking something of which to approve. A nugget here and a nugget there all add up to gold bars.

There is also another type of behavior that invites assault. It is the building of walls. When we constantly divert and resist we offer ourselves as victims and eventually someone will come along who will take us up on the invitation. They will overpower us and break down all walls of resistance. Or, occasionally we will find someone with the power of grace and love who will knock until we open the gate to our hearts. Only when we have open hearts will we grow in truth.