Putting Out The Fire

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

—Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me to keep myself from being like the wood in a fire—to keep myself from being that one who fuels the fires of contention and strife by gossiping about others.

Let the thoughts, motives and intents of my heart be pure and holy—as You have called me to holiness—so that the meditations of my heart will produce good fruit in both my words and my actions.

Help me to refuse to listen to gossip and to challenge anyone who repeats gossip to repent—that we all might benefit from the resulting peace and unity that will come when gossip stops.

Help me to only speak truth—and to speak that truth in love—so that everything that comes out of my mouth will be for the encouragement and edification of anyone who might hear.

Help me to keep myself from being like the wood in a fire—to keep myself from being that one who fuels the fires of contention and strife by gossiping about others.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.