14 Day Fast: Day 5

Scripture:
 …feet that run rapidly to evil.”-Proverbs 6:18b (NASB
 
Devotional:
The heart that rushes into sin reveals more about what’s within us than what’s happening around us. We cannot blame the environment of gossip and slander in the church without first confronting the part of our hearts that enjoys it. This fast is a call to slow down, reflect, and realign with God’s wisdom—choosing self-control over reaction, and godliness over impulse.
 
Have you ever seen kids at recess run toward a fight before a teacher arrives? They don’t know who’s right or wrong—they’re just drawn to the drama. Unfortunately, many adults in the church still operate the same way. The spiritual immaturity that runs toward mess instead of mediation shows we are not led by the Spirit, but by the flesh. This kind of reaction only multiplies wounds and divides the body of Christ.
 
God hates when feet are quick to run to evil (Proverbs 6:16–19 lists this among the seven things He detests). This isn’t just about violence—it’s about being quick to spread, entertain, or investigate things that cause division. Gossip isn’t harmless; it’s a sin that can unravel a church, distort truth, and damage trust.

Ask yourself:
Why am I so eager to know what’s going on in people’s business?
Why do I feel the need to be the first to hear or share something negative?
What does that say about my heart?
 
We must stop letting our curiosity lead us into carnality. It’s time to let go of quick reactions and allow God’s wisdom to rule in our thoughts, speech, and silence.
 
Application for Today:
 Before you respond to a conversation, DM, text, or even your own thoughts—pause. Ask yourself:
 
“Is this wise? Is this loving? Is this necessary?”
 
Let self-control guide your response. Walk away from gossip. Don’t fuel division.
Let today be the day you stop running toward evil and start walking in integrity.
 
One Takeaway to Implement Today:
Practice the pause.
Every time you feel tempted to speak or engage in drama, take a moment to pray and submit your thoughts to the Holy Spirit. Write down every moment today when you resisted the urge to sin with your words.

Prayer:
Father, forgive us.
We confess that our hearts have been quick to seek out gossip, slander, and division. We have fed our flesh instead of feeding our spirit. Help us to let go of the rush toward sin. Teach us to love self-control and walk in the fruit of the Spirit.
Holy Spirit, slow us down. Make us wise. Cleanse our hearts and help us to be peacemakers—not drama seekers.

Today, we let go of the desire to know, spread, or entertain anything that harms the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
Supporting Scriptures for Study:
Proverbs 17:9 – “He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.”
James 1:19–20 – “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”
Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”