A relationship is like a bridge.
We are on this side. They are on that side.
It takes both of us to make this “relational bridge” work. It takes both of us working together to build this “relational bridge.”
It takes each of us crossing the “relational bridge” to meet each other in the middle.
But when we cross the “relational bridge” to meet each other in the middle, we are no longer distanced from each other … but rather, we are now in close proximity to each other. Now we see things about each other we don’t necessarily like. Now we are aware of things about the other person which annoy us.
We are told in life that we need to be “true to ourselves.” So we speak our mind. We don’t hold back. We are “true to ourselves” and we let the other person know exactly what we think!
“A person who lacks judgment derides their neighbor, but a person of understanding holds their tongue.” – Proverbs 11:12
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Lo and behold … the “relational bridge” blows up under our very feet!! The bridge burns down!
What happened??
We don’t have a clue.
“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” – Proverbs 18:19
Or we could say: “An offended brother is like a ‘relational bridge’ which has burned down! … and disputes are like a wide cold rushing river with no way across!” – Proverbs 18:19
Imagine this wide riverbed completely full of deep, cold, rushing icy water!
Reckless words burn the “relational bridge” down!
Reckless words divide the relationship with a deep, cold, icy rushing river!
