Published: 22/03/2020
A City of Total Misunderstanding:
The citizens of a city developed a deep-seated misunderstanding among themselves, to the extent that they quarrel over trivial matters, openly insulting one another. The situation further worsens, descending into physical violence, and plaguing the city with jealousy, hatred, envy, selfishness, and greed. The aftermath was more dire than the coronavirus pandemic. Unrest and discord ruled, displacing harmony throughout the city.
A Humble Announcement:
A humble city resident, exhausted by the chaos, decided to break his silence. He mounted a sound system on his car and began broadcasting a heartfelt message: "Return your sword to its scabbard." He invoked the biblical warning from Matthew 26:52, "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." With sincerity, he implored, "Obey this commandment to restore harmony and humanity.”
Tame your sharp tongue, fuelled by jealousy, hatred, envy, selfishness, anger, and pride. Just as metal swords require sheathing, your words demand restraint. Keep your sharp tongue shut, and only then will your metal sword return to its scabbard.
He cautioned, “If you do not stop attacking others with your words, it may provoke others to retaliate with their metal sword. Remember, as Matthew 26:52 warns, 'Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.' Let us choose peace, not violence.”
Divine Take Away:
Chaos due to coronavirus is bound to vanish, but chaos due to an untamed tongue will persist until tamed;
remember James 3:10 warns, 'From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be!'
While Proverbs 18:21 teaches, 'The tongue has the power of life and death; and those who love it will eat its fruit.'
A Universal Goal:
If only global leaders, officials, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the general public tamed their tongue from unnecessary speech, the world wouldn't see the unrest and chaos that we witness every day.
A Sincere Prayer:
May global leaders, officials, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the general public understand the power of the tiny tongue, which can create harmony or discord, as James 3:5 reminds:
'...the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.'
May this wisdom guide us towards:
Responsible communication
Emotional intelligence
Constructive dialogue
Empathetic listening
May our words bring:
Healing instead of hurt
Unity instead of division
Hope instead of despair
May we use our tongues to:
Bless and not curse
Uplift and not tear down
Inspire and not discourage
Amen!
Praise be to God, Thanks be to God.
Not being Unrighteous is Religion!!
India! Peace be upon you!!
Peace to the whole world!!