Acidity

On my way into town the other day, I was listening to my most favorite of radio stations, NPR.
On this particular day, they were sharing stories about several women from Pakistan who had survived acid attacks.
There was one incident related about a woman who was beaten unconscious by her in-laws.
As she lay there, acid was poured on her...... now, as a result her lower jaw is fused to her chest.
What was her heinous crime? She insisted on washing a few dishes before picking up her child....her husband's family disagreed and you know what happened.
This amazing woman has taken an incredible stand, and chosen to forgive her in-laws and hopes that they find the right path. Can you imagine?
Well, as I was listening to this, I grew more and more incensed at the plight of these women.
I paused for a moment, and another thought descended upon me.... I was as guilty as those in-laws. How often have I found it acceptable to disfigure those around me with my words.
(Yes, this is me here waving and raising my hand)
To me it seems incomprehensible to so abuse someone with acid, but I am the first to let words drip from my mouth like toxic poison.
Truly, what those in the country of Pakistan have done, is do physically, what we as a culture have been doing with our words for years.
In the midst of all these thoughts that I was having... an amazing peace came over me.
I was filled with the knowledge of Christ's forgiveness of my sin of gossip.
How overwhelming is his love!
He has forgiven me and gives me the strength to chose righteousness instead of the muddy bog of sin.
Who knew that this tidbit of a story on Fresh Air would trigger such a response in my heart.
We never know as we go about our day what the Lord will use to refine us.

James 3:2-10
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ..

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.