Uncle Joe

So Uncle Joe (or Aunt Martha or Cousin Peter) won’t be invited to the holiday party this year because of what they said about us at the last one.

I felt justified in such decisions until I read the following verses.

Ecclesiastes 7:21-23 -Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others (KJV).

And if you think the King James Version is a little foggy, try The Message on for size.

Ecclesiastes 7:21-23 -Don’t eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossip’s about you and you’d rather not hear it? You’ve done that a few times, haven’t you—said things behind someone’s back you wouldn’t say to his face (MSG)?

I guess I have some forgiving and inviting to do. How about you?

Prayer: Father God, we are just as guilty as the other guy. Sort out the differences between us and help us make amends. In Christ’s name. Amen.