Bible Reading: Proverbs 17: 1-28
“He who covers and forgives an offence seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates close friends” – Proverbs 17:9(KJV)
Human institution is complex. The institution is not without some moments of misunderstanding. When we miss the understanding of what our fellow human is trying to communicate to us, we are bound to have fracas if not properly handled. Fracas is as a result of some factors that shaped each individuals that constitute the community such as background, education, religious understanding, social status, temperament, etc. Homes have fallen apart as a result of lack of understanding emanating from these areas of life.
I was privileged to intervene in a crisis between a husband and his wife sometimes ago. A matter that started like a child’s play eventually led to the collapse of the union that started over 23 years ago. When this issue came to our notice, we told the husband, who at that time listed offences that his wife committed and also recorded audio voice as evidence to nail the woman, to stop spreading the report but he did not listen. He turned deaf ears to our counsel and made sure that the issues were reported to whoever he comes across. Today, the wife is no longer with him as he concluded that he does not need her again in his life. What a sad testimony! The man and the woman in question were once vibrant in the Lord. Till today, he still repeats the matter to anyone who cares to listen.
The unfortunate scenario painted above happened because the man at the centre of the storm did not stop pulling the trigger, and this later degenerated into something worse. “The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles (from a crack in a dam); therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarrelling breaks out” – Proverbs 17:14 (Amp). Has anyone offended you and you find it difficult to let go? Be careful lest you land yourself into a bigger trouble. Why not allow the love of God to prevail over the situation before it is too late! “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has (freely) forgiven you, so must you also (forgive)” – Col 3:13 (Amp). Bury whatever offence done to you in the ocean of Christ’s love.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to understand the complexity of man and to love him just as you love him in Jesus Christ name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole