SOMETIMES SORRY DOESN'T SEEM TO CUT IT

SOMETIMES SORRY DOESN’T SEEM TO CUT IT

There was a little boy with a terrible 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 backyard 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. The day finally came when the 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 that he was able to hold his temper.

After many days had passed, the son reported to his father that all the nails were removed. 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 devastating impact of an out-of-control tongue could 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) It’s the Christ-like and loving thing to do.

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