Ecclesiastes 3:7
A time to tear,
And a time to sew; A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak
Relationships
People are odd. Most people have so many layers and so many emotions. Isn’t it amazing how we can stand to be around one another? I think that Solomon is telling us that there will be times when we tear the fabric of our relationships. This is not uncommon. We are a fickle people. Especially when you remember that sin cursed the world. We work, sweat, and bleed to sustain ourselves.
We need to have a humble spirit with each other. We are called to sew the fabric of our relationships back together properly. Forgiveness is something we struggle to practice. It hurts when others hurt us. The little trust that we start off with has been violated. But think of how Christ forgave us! Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Take time to learn how to be good sewers.
Who is the usual suspect when our relationships are broken or negatively affected? You got the answer: our mouths. The old saying goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is a lie straight from hell. Words stick with us for a lifetime. Many people are walking around today with scars from the words of angry parents. The best practice is not to speak when we are angry. Remain silent!
After we have offended someone, it is time to speak. We find it hard to apologize. Not just saying the words someone forces us to say but truly asking for forgiveness. But we also need to speak up when our feelings are hurt. Have you carried extra negative baggage around because you refused to acknowledge you were hurt? There are two sides to this coin. Relationships are hard. Dealing with people is not easy. Proverbs 6:3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.
Key Takeaways
- Relationships often experience tension; Solomon reminds us there are times to tear and times to sew them back together.
- Forgiveness is challenging, yet we must learn to heal our relationships, just as Christ forgave us.
- Words can inflict lasting damage, so it’s wise to remain silent when angry, rather than speak hurtful words.
- After offending someone, it is essential to genuinely apologize and also express our own hurt feelings to restore balance.
- Relationships require humility and effort; we must actively work to mend the fabric of our connections.
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