"Let us destroy him by his own tongue; let us carefully note his every word." Jer 18:18
The people who were carefully noting Jeremiah's "every word," were not seeking the truth, reconciliation or compromise, they were trying to trap him. Afraid that the prophet's challenge to reform might be taken seriously, they looked for a way to undermine his influence and discredit him. The same thing happened to Jesus and he would have none of it. Because both Jesus and Jeremiah knew they had been empowered by God to speak the truth, despite its consequences, they had to speak.
Lent is a good time to "watch" our own words, rather than others. When we rush into confront others because of a real or perceived offense, we almost never accomplish what we hope. Responding with anger almost always increases the heat of an argument, while a calm, reasoned intervention that asks questions and seeks clarity allows everyone to think and respond in a way that helps all to reconcile. Truth does not emerge from trying always to be right, it blossoms when we work to know and live God's will.
Today, pray for someone trapped in unhealthy competition.
What do you do when you hear someone's character being smeared?
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