When I re-read this entry, the words I believe the Lord spoke were inspiring to me! However, the context of it was very confusing so I’ve deleted most of what I was saying and left what I believe God gave me! 

I had been reading a book by Basilea Schlink.  I don’t remember which book, but I remember that she was a devout woman who was adamant about dealing with sin and repentance.  The chapter I had read was about quarrelsomeness and “not fanning the flames of enmity.”  I don’t know what verse she used.  

My response was to question my motives for wanting to know what was going on in the lives of the people at my church.  I didn’t like not knowing what was going on in relationships.  I don’t believe it was out of idle curiosity, but rather to know who and how to support.

From the journal . . . . March 1995 

I must not ‘fan the flames of enmity’ . . .  Lord, I have a desire to know more of what is going on with the people in my church.  

And I Believe God Said:

Look at faces.  If you see sadness, go with concern and comfort.  You feel for people, but that can drag you down.  Don’t look for trouble.  Be alert and responsive.  Don’t go nosing around.  What I let you become aware of is what you should respond to. 

Isaiah 50:4 The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom,
    so that I know how to comfort the weary.
Morning by morning He wakens me
    and opens my understanding to his will.
Col 4:5-6 ⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Rom 12:15. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 32:8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
    I will advise you and watch over you.
Isaiah 30:21 Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

In my current re-reading here are some things that I find significant to me: 

~I love the idea of becoming aware of sadness in others in order to support or help.  It reminds me of the verse that says there is sadness in laughter.  

Prov. 14:13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, 
    but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. 

~ Being alert and responsive to others is a great reminder.   

~Don’t go nosing around reminds me of a looky-loo or ambulance chaser who becomes actively involved for wrong motives. 

~Trust God to bring things to my attention.    

We don’t need to be detectives, nor do we need to go where the action is.   We need to live our lives and be alert to what He highlights for us so that we can be used to help and support His people.