ANDERSON CHURCH OF CHRIST
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A Bad Heart Has a Good Memory
Someone has properly observed that those with a bad heart seem always to have a good memory. They have a quick ability to recall every slight or offense that they have ever suffered, and, they are likely to do this anytime they experience a minor frustration.
Typically, this happens when someone is trying to help, instruct or correct them. Their reaction is to call up the memory of something that may have happened months or years earlier. In doing this they attempt to disarm any criticism of themselves by pointing an accusing finger at others.
The elder brother of the prodigal son is a good Bible example of this sort of conduct (Luke 15:25-32). He could not bring himself to be happy for the restoration of his lost brother. Instead, he brooded over what he viewed as inequities in the way the father had treated him.
“And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gayest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.” (Luke 15:29,30)
Do you know anyone like him? Have you ever seen someone react the same way? His bad heart had an excellent memory of all that his younger brother had done — but no ability to see his own faults.
We are not suggesting that anyone “look the other way” concerning sins that others may commit, but, we are pointing out that the Scriptures command us to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving” (Eph. 4:32). True love will motivate us to “suffer long” and not be “easily provoked” (1Cor. 13:4-7), and concerning our own faults, we are instructed to be easily entreated (James 3:17), and humble (1 Peter 5:5).
Christian, how is your heart? - by Greg Gwin |
