“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”  – Mahatma Gandhi

“Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.” – Proverbs 3:30

There’s enough conflict in this world, without our creating any unnecessarily.  We must teach our children not to pick fights or provoke conflict, particularly with those who have not done anything to deserve such.

In today’s social media world, it’s far too easy to lob harsh and critical commentary from behind a keyboard and without personal interaction.  We seem to have traded discussion, interaction, and debate for self-focused “tweeting” and “posting” – all while insulated from the view of our commentary upon impact.  Yet, words still hurt – and are now often conveyed among far broader audiences, left to variable interpretation, and absent value for relationships and resolution.

Perhaps we have become too quick to equate disagreement with offense – many easily offended by many, just as thin skin contributes to easier bruising.

And so, teach to seek understanding, clarity, resolution, and compromise; teach not to seek conflict or battle.  Teach discussion.  Teach listening.  And, for those who choose to “communicate” digitally, teach that “tweets” and “posts” are forever.

M46 Challenge:  Talk to your children about the importance of not picking a fight with someone.  It’s never good to talk about someone, or pick a fight with someone who has done nothing to you.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me and my daughter to walk in your righteousness by doing the right thing.  Not only you, but to those around us as well.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thoughts:  Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 4:29

Keep it Lit,

T.