be careful of the things we do and watch the things we say
and maybe then we'd get somewhere we've never been before."
Jim Cuddy ...in a song 'Already Gone'
I've been reading 'BONHOEFFER Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy' by Eric Metaxas. I haven't gotten too far in the book even tho I started it in April, I got sidetracked by an accident my Mom had and I just couldn't get back into it, until now. My interest was piqued after watching Fidler on The Roof. The Jews of that time, the Russian Revolution, were devastated by the rebels as well as the soldiers, they were called 'Christ haters'. Families were torn apart, scattered around the world looking for safety. The same thing happened to our Mennonite ancestors during these same days, though for slightly different reasons, devastated just the same. My sister has just finished reading a series of books relating the things that happened to the Mennonite people during that time, how their families were also separated, torn apart, murdered, scattered to other parts of the world. Our last few generations have not known this type of devastation, at least not with the Mennonites, other peoples in certain countries have definately been affected by torturous uprisings, horrible wars, murder, and have scattered to safe havens, safe countries... they have absolutely known devastation...still are.
Devastation, it's a hard word, it hurts absolutely, yet it can happen in simpler ways.
In the book I'm reading I came across this, "In the Bonhoeffer family one learnt to think before asking a question or making a remark. It was embarrassing to see their father raise his left eyebrow inquiringly. It was a relief when this was accompanied by a kindly smile, but it was absolutely devastating when his expression remained serious..."
Absolutely devastating. Have you ever felt absolutely devastated by someones words, or by their actions towards you or others? Have you ever absolutely devastated another?
Romans 12:9-18 speaks to this...
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves...bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another...if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone"
As far as it depends on you...be careful of the things you do and watch the things you say.
