No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.
II Timothy 2:4 (Amplified Bible)
How is this possible?
Must we ignore the things that scream for our intervention?
What about the personal affairs of those closest to us. Shouldn't we get involved and do what we can?
There is no formula. The answer comes from prayer for wisdom and for sight. We are so tempted to rush in with experience and knowledge, especially when feelings surge. Soldier, one bottom line rule has to be the refusal to be injected by someone else's anger against another or against an idea. To submit to such is to be immediately allowing the soul to be infected, and that means, no sight.
How easy it is to sit and listen to someone who is upset about someone else, and then take a position after hearing only one side. The balance is not found in listening to both sides, rather the answer is often found in not listening to the angry report of the first person.
It is easier to listen and be influenced than it is to refuse to be a sounding board for what may be an emotionally coated conscription.
It doesn't mean we never listen or get involved. It does mean we must be prayerful about the matter.
If the Lord is leading, it becomes clear that a certain thing must be said or done regardless of the outcome.
Beware of second hand anger. It leaves the listener with a prejudice concerning the situation and opens the door for distraction, at best.
Take it to the Lord. Aloud.
Then move on and wait for Him.