Have you ever heard of one snake eating another snake? According to zookeepers, two of these reptiles will sometimes grab different ends of the same piece of food. Sooner or later their struggle for that last bite brings them nose to nose. But then comes the surprise. The snake with the widest bite will keep right on going and actually swallowing the other!
We have been known to “consume one another” too. We may say something to another person, who then becomes defensive, and an argument develops. We know we would be better off if we held our tongue and trusted the Lord for the outcome, but we just keep going.
It’s easy to assume that we’re too mature to let things go too far. But a reminder from Galatians 5:15 says , “ If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”. Words and emotions can get out of hand. When this happens, feelings get hurt, friendships are destroyed, and relationships are shattered.
It is crucial that we pray and ask God to help us how to face our daily problems. Help us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” As we rely on Him, He will fill us with His love and in our hearts replace the man-eating impulses of a sharp tongue and a bitter spirit.
We have been known to “consume one another” too. We may say something to another person, who then becomes defensive, and an argument develops. We know we would be better off if we held our tongue and trusted the Lord for the outcome, but we just keep going.
It’s easy to assume that we’re too mature to let things go too far. But a reminder from Galatians 5:15 says , “ If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”. Words and emotions can get out of hand. When this happens, feelings get hurt, friendships are destroyed, and relationships are shattered.
It is crucial that we pray and ask God to help us how to face our daily problems. Help us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” As we rely on Him, He will fill us with His love and in our hearts replace the man-eating impulses of a sharp tongue and a bitter spirit.
It’s only a word! But a word may harm
And open a wound with its lingering smart;
And a word may heal or a word may charm
If it comes direct from a loving heart.
And open a wound with its lingering smart;
And a word may heal or a word may charm
If it comes direct from a loving heart.
