Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.
Foxes are very intelligent animals with problem solving skills which is why they are portrayed as cunning animals. Foxes have very sharp hearing and smelling abilities. They can even hear small animals digging underground. Foxes like bats and owls are nocturnal, meaning they are very active at night. Foxes, in their nature and conduct, serve as a fitting analogy to demons.
Foxes chew and gnaw at the base of the vine destroying both the plant and the produce. Metaphorically, “little foxes” are small and silly traits that can spoil relationships, purpose and our calling. Little foxes could be impatience, selfishness or offence that nibbles on the root to spoil the fruit.
“Offence” is a little fox that resides and hides in many homes and hearts and destroys healthy relationships. If we claim to have forgiven someone and moved on, yet bring up the issue at every opportunity, it reveals that the little fox of offence still lurks in the vineyard of our hearts and homes. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends (Proverbs 17:9). Offence is like reflux; it will regurgitate like the undigested foul smelling food. Offence revisits the past. Offence is a slow killer of marriages, friendships and relationships.
To overcome the offence, the “little foxes” must be caught. We must accept and acknowledge that offence is hiding in our heart. Then, the “little foxes” must be killed by confession, forgiveness and determination. We must determine in our heart that we will not repeat, regurgitate or revisit the hurt. Every time the demons who cause division, animosity and hatred remind us of the offence, we must drive them out and replace the silly thoughts with forgiveness, love and kindness.
Catch the ‘little foxes’ of offence:
1. Chew: Entertaining offensive thoughts chews on the mind, gradually hardening our character and making our conduct cold and callous.
2. Catch: Catch the ‘little foxes’ of offence before they destroy the blossoming flower and fruit in the vineyard of our family or friends.
3. Confess: Confession will put a fence around our mind to overcome offences.
Catch the ‘little foxes’ of offence.
Prayer: Dearest Holy Spirit, I refuse to hoard offence that will destroy relationships and friendships. Amen.
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