I once read this story about these two crows caught in a fierce battle by the side of the road. With feathers flying, they attacked each other with great fury ignoring cars nearby.
As a car approached, they became locked in combat. Together they rose in the air and fluttered blindly into the path of the car. With a violent thud they smashed against the windshield, leaving a smear of blood and feathers. They were so preoccupied with their battle that they were blind to more serious dangers. Their quarrel cost them their lives.
How often we act like those two crows? We fail to realize that in a fight no one ever wins. Both are losers. We carry grudges, and our irritations get blown out of proportion. I don’t know what those crows were fighting over, but I’m sure it wasn’t worth dying for. Neither are any of our quarrels.
I often wonder how difficult it is to take back angry words? A raised gun, a clenched fist, and an angry voice all have one thing in common, they are easier to lift up than to put down. I for one am known for my extraordinary memory- And as it turns out I seldom forget things people say out of anger. However, I am also known for contributing to arguments that escalate passed the point of no return, a nasty habit I have grown to hate about myself…
Though I am weak, I am reminded of a passage from Epeshians: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)
Also, James wrote “For the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)
And again in Colossians, Paul wrote “But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8)
Father, help us never to forget the terrible destructive power of fighting. When a desire to lash out at a loved one dwells up within us, help us stop it before it starts a fire that will consume the feelings of those involved.
“If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15)
I hope and pray we all can learn a lesson from these crows, forgetting our grievances, being ready to forgive, and ready to admit when we’re wrong. When you feel like fighting, remember those two dead crows by the roadside!
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
And for looking after us, our families and friends,
We thank you for your patience, your wisdom
And for inspiring us to love rather than anger.
Lord we ask you to continue to lead our footsteps
To walk a righteous path and try be more like you,
And to humble us so that we may take notice
That no service to you is insignificant.
We pray for your endless grace,
Your unconditional love
And your forgiveness.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
