On Mediating for Others

Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears. (Proverbs 26:17)

Occasionally the Bible says something that just astounds me. It would seem to me a good thing to jump between two friends who have an argument and act as the voice of reason. Then again, those who do so often get bit!

Today's verse reminds me of the time I tried to help out our dog, Ruth. Somehow, Ruth had made her way into the hood. Ruth didn't like other dogs too well, as a result of being nearly killed by a big dog when she was only four months old. I heard a commotion and ran to the street. Trying to grab Ruth by the collar, my hand was intercepted by the mouth of the beagle Ruth was "arguing with," and I suffered my first dog bite. This is a painful injury! I wince to this day every time I hear the words dog bite.


I think those dogs were just having a little argument. It was a spat. My dogs argue now and then. They weren't going to hurt each other, but I had to go and foolishly get in the way of their business. Mediating for friends can bring the same results if we aren't careful.


I'm not suggesting your friends needs to fight to establish a pecking order. This kind of fighting is more likely sin and along the lines of James 4, which explains we fight because of eveil desires warring within us we just can't lay down. What I am suggesting is the fights between your friends are better left to be solved by your friends so you don't get caught in the middle of something ungodly to begin with!




Action Plan

1. Let each friend know you love her
2. Tell them you will not be getting involved
3. Suggest an objective mediator if appropiate
4. Pray for them. If they can solve their issue and offer forgiveness, it's a win all around!