SOMETIMES SORRY DOESN'T CUT IT

SOMETIMES SORRY DOESN’T CUT IT

There was a little boy with a really bad temper.  His father gave him a bag of nails, instructing him that every time he lost his temper he should hammer a nail into the back yard fence.  By the end of the first day, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.  Then it gradually dwindled down.  He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.  Finally the day came when young lad didn’t lose his temper any more.  When he happily reported his progress, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail every day he was able to hold his temper.

After many days, the son was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.  The father took him by the hand and walked over to the fence.  He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at all the holes in the fence.  Our fence will never be the same.  Whenever you say things in anger, you leave a scar, a hole just like this one.  You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.  But it won’t matter how many times you say ‘I’m sorry’ because the wound will still be there.”

Since harsh words can deliver deep wounds, as emotionally painful as a penetrating steel blade, we must be very careful what we say.  The impact of an out-of-control tongue just might be irreversible. 

On the other hand, when we are on the receiving end of hurtful offenses, it is incumbent upon us to forgive.  “Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!