Growing My Faith

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Growing My Faith Part 22 - Kindling

by Gail Rodgers
I couldn’t get the fire going. The match went out as I tried to light the logs. Back to the wood pile I went and gathered a handful of tiny wood scraps. I placed the kindling beneath the logs and put the match to it. Immediately the little pieces flamed up and in only seconds the logs were engulfed in flames too.

Kindling is so important in any fire. God tells us our words can act as kindling too and start fires that can soon be well out of control. Listen to these wise words from the book of Proverbs.

“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” Proverbs 26:21

God uses the picture of kindling and fire to remind us that when we are quarrelsome we are acting as kindling for strife in our homes and in our relationships.
The cares of our lives can create an anxiety in our hearts that brings an antagonistic tone to our words. We can sometimes sound quarrelsome even when we aren’t meaning to.
Today pay attention to the tones you are using and the words you are speaking. Are you sounding quarrelsome? Are you feeling quarrelsome?
Is there strife in your environment that comes from kindling you are providing?
Don’t let the fire of strife be fueled by your quarrelsome words or attitude. Be aware of your words and choose to speak words that bring life and hope. If there are issues to address choose your time and your words carefully and invite God to help you bring unity and peace. Be careful what you kindle today!
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Forgive me for the times when my tones, attitudes and words are the kindling for strife. Give me Your grace today to speak words of life and hope. Give me wisdom to know if an issue needs addressing and when and how to addresses it. Help me to bring my frustrations to You first and allow Your Holy Spirit to settle me. Speak love through me today Lord.
I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.