When we go camping we always make a fire.  As we sit around the fire later in the evening we need to make a decision about the fire, "Do we want to throw more wood on it or do we want it to die out?"  We know if we take away the fuel it will slowly die out.

We make the same types of decisions every day about whether or not we want to stoke up quarrels and arguments.  Do we want to throw in our two cents worth?  Do we want to make issues bigger by repeating our version of the truth?  Do we feel compelled to regularly dig up the past?  Make no mistake about it, when you do these things you are choosing to extend arguments and hardships longer than they need to be.

If gossip is fuel for a fire, then Jesus’ forgiveness must be like a bucket of water that puts it out.  Watch your words and comments closely.  Don’t make bad situations even worse.  When you see a difficult situation offer words that bring help and healing.