There she lay, stretched out and quivering on the grass at dusk, death hovering like a salivating, ravenous beast ready to sink its fangs once more and steal her last breath. Barely conscious, in excruciating pain, she would welcome the end.
Unloving, hateful, murderous acts begin in hearts and minds, not in hands or hooves. Unloving, hateful, slanderous words can harm hearts as soundly as hooves thrust deep into living flesh. And words withheld may hurt the heart even more. Do we speak or listen to things we shouldn’t? Do we fail to speak things we should? Both originate from the same state of heart—a heart lacking love.
Mouths are never neutral instruments; neither are listening ears. Words spoken, words unspoken, words heard—always do something. The good surgeon wants to help, not harm. She chooses her instruments carefully with hope of healing. Do we have the best interest of all when we speak, when we listen? Would surgical assistants stand by and watch a surgeon harm, intentionally or not, like the by-standing mares watched the aggressor attack and kill? Or would the surgical assistants open their mouths and say something to avert harm? A humble and wise surgeon would welcome correction if her intent was healing, not harm.
Jesus gave up his comfort. He bore great pain, praying for those who hurt him with word and deed. He died so we could live—really live—by reconnecting with God, with others, and with ourselves. Reconnection is God’s business plan and He has invited all of us to be His partners. Do we want the job?