Nail Holes
NAIL HOLES
Read James 3:2-10.
Brad started toward the family room. “VAROOM!” sang out his little brother, Kevin, as he charged through the room, crashing into Brad.
“Watch where you’re going, you moron,” yelled Brad.
“You know that you are not to call people names,” Dad said sternly.
Brad sighed. “I’ll apologize.” But just then the phone rang, and Brad picked it up. “Hello? Oh, hi, Jason. Yeah, I heard the rumor about Mrs. Simpson. Can you believe we have an alcoholic for a teacher? Did you notice how she stumbled over her words in class? Oh, Dad wants me for something. Talk to you later.”
“You’re going to call Jason back and apologize for that gossip I just heard,” said Dad. “Did you know that Mrs. Simpson’s husband is sick?” he asked. “She has to stay up nights caring for him. No wonder she’s tired in class.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. I’ll call Jason after I apologize to Kevin.”
“First come with me to my shop,” said Dad. He picked up a hammer and some nails. “I want you to pound these nails about halfway into this board.”
Brad obeyed with a puzzled look. “Now what?”
“Pull the nails out.” Brad did so. “Brad, your words lately have been as sharp as these nails. They’ve been cutting and hurting. Saying you’re sorry is fine. But look at this board. What do you see?”
“The nail holes,” said Brad.
“Exactly,” said Dad. “You can apologize and be forgiven, but you can never take back all the harm you’ve caused.”
Brad picked up the board. “I get your point, Dad. I’ll try to be more careful with my words.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you carelessly say things that hurt the feelings or reputations of others? An apology can bring forgiveness, but it can never erase all the harm. Ask the Lord to help you.
TO MEMORIZE:
I am determined not to sin in what I say.
Psalm 17:3
THINK, THEN SPEAK.
From the book
