Greetings in Christ Jesus, fellow soldiers.
Soldiers are often tossed about in circumstances that are outside of their control. They are given contradictory orders, undefined roles and responsibilities, missions that lack purpose or the possibility of a successful outcome, and are often dressed down for failures that may belong to someone else.
In all of these things, we are tempted to complain, ridicule others, and engage in gossip. Yet Scripture speaks clearly about "taming the tongue" (James 3). Our tongues, wielding the poison of resentment in our hearts, become a small spark with the potential to destroy a great deal. With our tongues, we can harm unit morale, breed insubordination, and ruin Army careers.
Remember how Jesus handled His ridiculous circumstances. He was put on a farce of a trial and condemned to suffer and die, though he was clearly innocent. He was the recipient of mankind's cruelty and hatred, though He only engaged in good deeds and carried love for sinners upon His heart. The victim of such insane hatred, He did not open his mouth (Is. 53). Instead, at His last, He prayer "Father, forgive them."
Let us bless those who curse us, knowing that the God-man, Jesus Christ, bore the cursed cross for sinners (like us!) without speaking an ill word.
Amen and Amen!
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