Two brothers who shared a house had such a bitter feud that they didn't speak to each other for many years. Friends and family tried everything they could to reunite them, but it was futile. When a new pastor arrived, everyone begged him to speak with the two brothers. When the pastor inquired about their disagreement, one of them replied, "I can't remember exactly when or why we fought, but I am still mad at him!"

Love is not easily angered.

1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

 

The Greek word for “easily angered” is paroxynō which means "to exasperate, irritate, make anger, scorn." It is derived from a compound word, “par” which means “with” and “oxyno” which means “vinegar”. It describes the act of enraging people through provocative words or actions.

Someone once said, “Many blunt words have sharp points”.

Words can make or break a friendship.

Paul was writing to the Corinthians from personal experience. When he and Barnabas disagreed about taking John Mark on their second missionary journey, “the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another” (Acts 15:39). It meant that both apostles had such a heated argument that their partnership was shattered. The Holy Spirit called them to ministry [Acts 13:1-3], but He did not separate them. Their lack of love was what kept them apart.

Years later, however, God reconciled Paul with Barnabas (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:6) and John Mark (cf. 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:24). What could they have accomplished for the sake of the gospel if they had maintained their friendship?

Have you reached a stalemate in a relationship because of a heated argument or sharp disagreement? Love is not easily enraged or provoked. Rather, love has the power to heal a broken heart, a troubled mind, and an unforgiving spirit. Pray for God to bring reconciliation in our conflicts and work towards healing and restoration.