Walking Freely Through Minefields

 

...but the prudent

       ignores an insult.

           Proverbs 12. 16

(A prudent person walks cautiously

    through the minefields,

not impervious to pain

     but responds differently.

The prudent give thought

   and show care for the future.

We have hearts

               changed by God

and that should show

            in volatile places.

Our identity is not at stake,

but our character.

        How we respond

        tells a lot about us.

   Our pride is not wounded

   because our pride

              is not who we are.

We are secure in God.

We need not react to missile strikes,

         but ready to respond with grace.

The prudent walk freely through

          the shrapnel and swamps,

     and even then,

        unexpectedly seek good for others,

free of the grudges

  that handicap relationships

                    for a lifetime.)

O LORD,

Fill our hearts with Your love and grace

   that we have no reason

   to retaliate,

but take everyone by surprise

    with a kind and gracious response.

Help us to approach conflict,

     navigate the storms,

     and act like Your people,

             even in this situation.

Please show us how we can

   respond differently,

   take the high road,

and bring others with us.