iv. 29-v. 2).
What does Paul teach us here? That it is not by some huge
wickedness, some Judas-like betrayal, some tempting and lying to
the Holy Ghost, as did Ananias and Sapphira (Acts v. 1-9), that
we grieve Him, but by that which most people count little and
unimportant; by talk that corrupts instead of blessing and
building up those that hear, by gossip, by bitterness, and
uncharitable criticisms and fault-findings. This was the sin of
the elder son when the prodigal returned, and it was by this he
pierced with grief the kind old father's heart.
By getting in a rage, by loud, angry talking and evil-speaking
and petty malice, by unkindness and hard-heartedness and an
unforgiving spirit, we grieve Him. In a word, by not walking
through the world as in our Father's house, and among our
neighbours and friends as among His dear children; by not loving
tenderly and making kindly sacrifices for one another, He is
grieved. And this is not a matter of little importance. It may
have sadly momentous consequences.
It is a bitter, cruel, and often an irreparable thing to trifle
with a valuable earthly friendship. How much more when the
friendship is heavenly? when the Friend is our Lord and Saviour,
our Creator and Redeemer, our Governor and Judge, our Teacher,
Guide, and God? When we trifle with a friend's wishes--especially
when such wishes are all in perfect harmony with and for our
highest possible good--we may not estrange the friend from us,
but we estrange ourselves from our friend.
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