Feuds are as old as the human race and as widespread as the common cold. Like the cold, once they start they infect others. It is insidious how easily feuds begin, how long they can last, and the damage they can do. In the late 1800s, two families, one in Kentucky and another in West Virginia, fought for nearly 20 years, and 12 were killed.

Not all feuds are that blatant. They may be as subtle as a minor insult. Once they start they can gradually damage and then destroy families, churches, and lifelong relationships.

Paul knew the deadly effects that feuds could have in a congregation. So he reminded his readers in Ephesus, "We are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25).

Is there a Christian with whom you are angry or bitter, with whom you no longer speak? Once perhaps you were friends, but have you let some offense turn your friend into an enemy? Hear what Paul said: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Determine today that you will do everything you can, with God's help, to build bridges to other people rather than walls between you.  —HWR  — Haddon W. Robinson