There is a cruel thing that happens in families, in churches, in communities, in countries--and to our world.
Call me a sceptic, but I'm not sure the things that divide nations will ever end. Nation against nation, or one faction in a nation against another. It has been that way since time immemorial.
What troubles me more is one person in a family not forgiving another. Allowing a hurt to separate families for days, years, or (even worse) a lifetime--is a sin.
A few words can cause a rift like that, a chasm no one seems willing to build a bridge across. You can't pull words back. They are etched in stone forever.
Words can cut deeper than the sharpest swords. Be careful how you use--or misuse them. We've all done it, spoken words that hurt.
I remember especially words I spoke that I thought might help, but the hurt they caused instead cut one of those chasms between two of my friends. It taught me a bitter lesson, one I will never forget.
Have you let words fly that harmed? Have you ever done something stupid that separated friends or family?
Next Saturday I'll talk about things that unify. Stay tuned.
I would say that I have spoken unkind words at times, but in my family, I have been the recipient of the abuse, more than I have ever given it. I think that's because I became a Christian long before the rest of my family. This is also why I do my best to stop gossip and slander....and yet, it happens.
ReplyDeleteYeah...It's a hard habit to stop. Been there, working on quitting with a bunch of reminders and help from God.
ReplyDelete