The Bible clearly teaches that we are to be considerate of others –ministering to them, edifying them, never becoming a stumblingblock to them. Yet, as I examine my life, I am forced to admit that I frequently fail. I am driven to my knees as I seek forgiveness. However, I need more than forgiveness–I need help, so as to not repeat my failures!
I need as many reminders and as much help as I can get, to help me help others, rather than hurting them. These words from the pen of Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79) do just that. Read them slowly, think about them deeply, practice them always:
A vexation arises, and our expressions of impatience hinder others from
taking it patiently. Disappointment, ailment, or even weather depresses
us; and our look or tone of depression hinders others from maintaining
a cheerful and thankful spirit. We say an unkind thing, and another is
hindered in learning the holy lesson of charity that thinketh no evil. We
say a provoking thing, and our sister or brother is hindered in that day’s
effort to be meek. How sadly, too, we may hinder without word or act! For
wrong feeling is more infectious than wrong doing; especially the
various phases of ill temper,–gloominess, touchiness, discontent,
irritability,–do we not know how catching these are?
taking it patiently. Disappointment, ailment, or even weather depresses
us; and our look or tone of depression hinders others from maintaining
a cheerful and thankful spirit. We say an unkind thing, and another is
hindered in learning the holy lesson of charity that thinketh no evil. We
say a provoking thing, and our sister or brother is hindered in that day’s
effort to be meek. How sadly, too, we may hinder without word or act! For
wrong feeling is more infectious than wrong doing; especially the
various phases of ill temper,–gloominess, touchiness, discontent,
irritability,–do we not know how catching these are?
