So Stoked!

Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. ~Proverbs 26:20 (ESV)

One way to interpret and utilize the verse above is that whenever you find yourself trapped in a disagreement of some kind, a provocation by someone you know, the best way to save each of you from anything you might regret is to stopped encouraging it. Usually, when someone throws a remark your way that gets your blood rising, it is meant to elicit a comeback, a piece of wood to add to the rising fire.

Pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife. ~Proverbs 30:33 (ESV)

 Jesus is an amazing example of not picking up any extra pieces of firewood and trying to stoke the flames higher. He was constantly provoked and harassed simply because he was so different from everyone else in the way he acted, spoke and responded to others. Jesus loved others, even when it wasn't easy. And that is what we are called to do.