Don’t Let Little Foxes Spoil the Vine
I’m reading Song of Solomon in my daily Bible reading right now, and 2:15 talks about, “…the little foxes, that spoil the vines.” For them, it was a warning against those little things that harm a relationship.
What is it for you?
About four years ago, Bro. John Waterloo preached on being offended. Is that it for you? Bro. Waterloo’s point was that being offended means you’re part of the family! If a stranger thinks you’re a buffoon, you just think, “Okay,” and move on with your life.
But if someone you care about treats you poorly, well… H’WELL! I never! I’m offended!
Is there a chance to make something right? Then make it right.
Is there a chance to repent? Then repent.
Is there a chance for forgiveness? Then forgive. Drop it. Do what Jesus did with the offense, and remove it as far as the east is from the west. If HE doesn’t bring up YOUR sin when you ask forgiveness, what right do WE have to keep bringing up THEIR sin against us?
None.
It could be a little fox of bitterness in you that’s keeping things from being settled. Settle it Scripturally. Face the sin in yourself or in others and make it right.
I’m not saying this because I think there’s some kind of issue going around. As far as I know, there’s not.
But human tendency is to let issues fester. That’s wrong. The context of Matthew 18 is restoration: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
You’re offended? Hooray! Yippee! Welcome to the family! What a great opportunity to show how Christ changes mankind. —Pastor Ryan