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"I was provoked"

How many times have we used that as a defense, to ourselves and to others? That may have been completely accurate, in which case it does not represent the best of our character--or our temper. What provokes you? Why? Instead of shifting the blame to our provocateurs, let's look in the mirror for the moment. 

When you have a sore spot, it's always somewhere you've had an injury. That specific injury may have been long ago and consciously forgotten, but the underlying resentment was left to fester beneath the surface. Do some soul searching and see what you need to forgive--and forget. 

Step two--now, the spiritual equivalent of physical therapy. It's inconvenient, strenuous, sometimes painful, but effective, if you stick with it.  I'll explain.

I found the word "provoke" in an unexpected context-- in a passage that instructs how to treat one another with love and respect. 

Hebrews 10:22-24
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering...And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works..."

Provoke each other to good works? You first. OK, I'll go. Let's paint a picture you'll recognize.

I can't stand our boss. She's mean, ruthless, deceitful---have you ever seen "The Devil Wears Prada?"
So, here she comes, dragging into the office, obviously unwell this morning, her fist full of tissues, her nose red. The first instinctive feeling would be satisfaction. HA! All that nastiness caught up to you, did it? Don't smile. If you have ever worked for the "the mean girl" you thought you got away from in the 6th grade locker room, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Who is going to be the first to go to the kitchen, whip up a comforting cup of hot tea, and take it to her, although she never asks for anything? (cricket, cricket, cricket)

Well? I'm provoking you, aren't I?

What about loving your enemies? Blessing those who curse you, praying for those who despitefully use you? Proverbs 24:16-17 also warns us against vengeful behavior.  

"Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.
18 For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them."
Ouch.

Think about how your workplace--or your world--would look, if, instead of huddling together around the coffee pot to stir each other up with seething anger and resentment, you set the calm, collected example of kindness by going out of your way to help others--no matter who they are. What if you took that energy and directed it planting seeds of compassion, instead of discontent? Those same hands and lips could be used more profitably, and with greater satisfaction, by pushing aside your emotional battle in favor of the greater war--the spiritual conquest the Enemy is holding over your head with every concession you make to choose personal offense over personal victory. Choose your weapons wisely--they determine which side will win.


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