Freedom In Our Relationships
"My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands; Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your
eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle, from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Proverbs 6:1-5)
If you have ever played the game "Upwords", you know that coming up with the right words, to gain points in the puzzle, can be a challenge.
It can be that way in our relationships as well.
In this passage of Scripture, Solomon talks about a type of freedom that from time to time, we all long to have. There are times, when we put our foot in our mouth, and say things we wish we hadn't. Or we act before we think,
and cause some hurt, and hard feelings.
and cause some hurt, and hard feelings.
On this fourth of July, when we focus on the freedom we enjoy in this country, there is no greater feeling, than that of being at peace with
our fellow man. And when those times arrive, of careless words, and actions, Solomon tells us that we need to "go and humble
ourselves." We are to set aside our pride, our self-centeredness, and make it right, with those we have hurt, in word and deed.
our fellow man. And when those times arrive, of careless words, and actions, Solomon tells us that we need to "go and humble
ourselves." We are to set aside our pride, our self-centeredness, and make it right, with those we have hurt, in word and deed.
To "press your plea"(v.3c) means to strongly and sincerely, ask forgiveness, and make it right with our neighbor. Solomon makes this such an urgent thing. "Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids." In essence he is saying: "Don't let a moment go by, when you can make peace with your neighbor. Your heart will be in turmoil until you do. And when you do, you will feel that freedom that is like a gazelle, running free from the hunter, or a bird flying free
from the snare, of the trapper.
from the snare, of the trapper.
To be at odds with someone is a terrible bondage. It is worth all the effort it takes, to make peace, and experience the wonderful freedom, and blessings, of a good relationship (GP)