One of the strongest memories from my youth was the story of a husband, broken to pieces by the fact that his wife had died because of his anger. No, he did not kill her, but he felt as if he had. They lived in a ranch, and when he was away, he held her responsible for bringing the cattle home. There was one day when busy with her work, she forgot and he insulted her to the point of breaking her heart. She promised tearfully that she would never forget to do it. One day, a terrible storm was coming, her husband was not home, and she was determined to keep her promise and to bring the cattle home.
She went out into the terrible weather and secured the cattle, but just as she was a few feet from the safety of her home, lightning struck her dead. Her husband's grief was beyond description, especially because his cruel words had caused her to risk her life so that she would not have to bear his insults anymore. This is not unusual, unfortunately there are people who die with their hearts broken by the way they have been treated by those they love the most, and then there are regrets, words that cannot be taken back, sorrow that will always be there. . .
"The largest share of life's annoyances, its heartaches, its irritations, is due to uncontrolled temper. In one moment, by hasty, passionate, careless words, may be wrought evil that a whole lifetime's repentance cannot undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken, the friends estranged, the lives wrecked, by the harsh, hasty words of those who might have brought help and healing! . . . In his own strength man cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control." My Life Today, page 81.
"Those who take Christ at His word and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. The Lord says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3)." In Heavenly Places, page 249.
"From the Christian standpoint, love is power. Intellectual and spiritual strength are involved in this principle. Pure love has special efficacy to do good, and can do nothing but good. It prevents discord and misery and brings the truest happiness. Wealth is often an influence to corrupt and destroy; force is strong to do hurt; but truth and goodness are the properties of pure love." My Life Today, page 179
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." 1 John 4:8.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Galatians 5:22.
"A man at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmising will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart in harmony with God is lifted above the annoyances and trials of this life." My Life Today, page 179.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14;15.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10.
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12.
"Love's agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that "turneth away wrath," the love that "suffereth long, and is kind," the charity that 'covereth a multitude of sins' —would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted! How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven!" My Life Today, page 179
Is Your Heart Broken?
Posts
