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- Oct 26, 2007
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Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. Proverbs 26:17 ESV
Ever wonder why dogs love to have their ears rubbed? Dog ears have a high concentration of nerve endings. When a dog trusts you enough to allow it, a good ear massage can be a euphoric canine experience. But if you’re a passing stranger, grabbing a dog by the ears is a great way to get bitten.
No one in their right mind would do something so dumb, right?
Well…
Have you ever poked your nose into someone else’s problems? We’re not talking about when a trusted friend seeks out your advice. We’re talking about when you don’t have any of the details and dive in anyway. Your intentions may be good. You just want people to get along with each other. But your approach is like grabbing a dog by the ears.
If you really want to help resolve other people’s quarrels, pray for them. Get to know them. Show them unconditional, self-sacrificial love. Respect their boundaries. Earn their trust. Then offer them some advice.
God wants us involved in the lives of others so we can point them to His peace, but how we get involved matters. Is there someone you’d like to introduce to God’s peace? Start by praying for an opportunity to show your trustworthiness.
Prayer: Lord God, give me wisdom on how to bring Your peace to the people around me.
Ever wonder why dogs love to have their ears rubbed? Dog ears have a high concentration of nerve endings. When a dog trusts you enough to allow it, a good ear massage can be a euphoric canine experience. But if you’re a passing stranger, grabbing a dog by the ears is a great way to get bitten.
No one in their right mind would do something so dumb, right?
Well…
Have you ever poked your nose into someone else’s problems? We’re not talking about when a trusted friend seeks out your advice. We’re talking about when you don’t have any of the details and dive in anyway. Your intentions may be good. You just want people to get along with each other. But your approach is like grabbing a dog by the ears.
If you really want to help resolve other people’s quarrels, pray for them. Get to know them. Show them unconditional, self-sacrificial love. Respect their boundaries. Earn their trust. Then offer them some advice.
God wants us involved in the lives of others so we can point them to His peace, but how we get involved matters. Is there someone you’d like to introduce to God’s peace? Start by praying for an opportunity to show your trustworthiness.
Prayer: Lord God, give me wisdom on how to bring Your peace to the people around me.
