If we look at what causes most wars that have destroyed so many lives and properties, we will discover that they bothered on some personal and self-motivated issues that would have been solved with much diplomacy, patience and care.
But man has allowed personal grievances, pride, envy, jealousy, accusations and counter-accusations and so many other very trivial issues to bring about
so many countless and irreparable losses. Many of these were later regretted.
If we can be more patient with one another, showing more restraint, forbearance and tolerance, there will not be need for wars and the wanton destruction that they bring.
“And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire” (Judges 12:1).
In the scripture passage above, we find the unnecessary argument between the men of Ephraim and Jephthah. They accused Jephthah for not having involved them in the battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah however countered that he invited them but they turned down his call for help.
The argument later degenerated to ethnic issues resulting into war in which forty two thousand of the Ephraimites died. What a senseless loss!
Envy, jealousy, pride and the wrong use of the tongue have very devastating consequences. So many homes and families have been razed to the ground for these.
God desires that we should cultivate the tongue of the learned, knowing how to use the right words in season. There is the need for us to be tolerant and patient with one another as well.
Harsh comments and criticisms, judgmental utterances and dispositions which are spurred out of envy and jealousy must be avoided. We will save lives, property, marriages, relationships and careers if we learn to speak right words that will bring encouragement, succor, support and security.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Consider the huge costs of reparation.