Venom

This is the European Cross Spider. I was Googling to find a cross image for another post when I stumbled across this picture. I thought it was beautiful....and creepy and gross at the same time. It's a dichotomy. And it became my muse of sorts for this post.

26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. - James 1:26-27

Venom.

It's reflexive and spills forth without thought. Anger feeds its lethality.

Venom.

It kills ideas before they take flight. It values right above righteousness.

Venom.

It destroys friendships and prevents growth.

Venom.

My words, offered in anger and fraught with venom, are counterproductive to bringing glory to our Father.

Venom.

It causes me to hate. It causes me to forget my beliefs. I can't love someone with venom.

I'm tired of venom.

I want to share ideas, discuss strategies, build relationships, and encourage my brothers. Who am I to decide right from wrong?

I'm tired of venom.

Enough is enough. I want to unite my brothers and sisters, not divide them with words.

Love.

Love conquers all.

Love.

Love unites believers and draws others to Him.

Love.

And then these three remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

Love.

Love listens when others speak. It hears their thoughts and values their ideas.

Love.

Love builds relationships and feeds our growth.

God's infinite love.

It rescues my soul.