Snow
Friday January 31, 2020
Have you ever been in a room when snow started to fall outside and the atmosphere in the room changed as children got excited about playing in the snow? Older folks who looked out may not have had the same enthusiasm about the falling snow. Some may have anticipated the traffic problems and the difficulties negotiating slippery sidewalks.
It isn’t proper to honor a foolish person. That’s like having snow in summer or rain at harvest time. A messenger trusted by the one who sends him is like a drink cooled by snow at harvest time. He renews the spirit of his master. (Proverbs 26:1; 25:13 NIRV)
In most communities there are two sides to every street. When it snows the municipality requires each homeowner to clear the sidewalk on their side of the street so that people can safely walk by. In our relationships there are two people. The Bible tells us as much as it depends on us, we are to live peaceably with all people. To live this way, we need to keep ourselves free from offending our friends and neighbours. It means we are to keep our side of the relationship pure, regardless of what is happening on the other side.
You want me to be completely loyal, so put true wisdom deep inside of me. Remove my sin and make me pure. Wash me until I am whiter than snow! (Psalm 51:6-7 ERV)
Although we’re not responsible to clear the snow from the other side of the street, it’s a kind act to help a neighbour by doing so. The same is true in our relationships. We are not responsible for the other side of the relationship but sometimes we can “go the extra mile,” perhaps by clearing up a misunderstanding, letting bygones be bygones, or taking time to listen to their concerns even though they are not expressed in the way we like.
I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed, and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18 ERV)
Prayer: Gracious God, Help me to keep my side in my relationships clean. Give me wisdom in my care of the other person so that our relationship may be pure and white as snow. Amen
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