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 fait
Finding growth, joy and purpose in impossible places