7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14
–1 Kings 3:7-14
At a time of year when we get together with our closest family and friends, it’s a fact of life for many of us that sometimes conflict ensues. Not that my wonderful families live in Drama City by any means :), but the following verses are speaking to my heart today regarding relationships in general with all of my family members, my husband included.
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. -James 1:19
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. –Matthew 7:3-5
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Well done, Erin – I really needed to read this and I didn't even realize it until I had.
I hope you guys had a great Christmas and enjoy your first New Year with Gabriel!
Great wisdom for the Holiday season. I needed to hear it. On another note, I just looked at some of your posts and saw that y'all put the TV in! It looks great! I have to admit I'm a little surprised! Miss you guys and hope to see you soon.
Thank you for this encouraging message, Erin!