Transfusion of Bad Blood

God Hates This – So Should We!

(Prov. 6:16-19)

One of our challenges about bad attitudes is, to refuse transfusions of bad blood and never donate bad blood!

What am I talking about? When you are bitter and you share that bitterness with others; when you are mad and you spread that anger around; when you hate someone and you invite others to that hatred; when you are down and you pull others down; when you gossip and slander on social media; when you doubt God and contribute to the decay of the faith of others – – that’s a transfusion of bad blood. God hates it and so should we.

We should refuse transfusions of bad blood and never donate bad blood. This is one of many challenges about maintaining spiritually healthy attitudes.

The good blood of Christ can cleanse us from such dreadful exchanges. My obedient response to Christ prepares me to think right, speak right and live right. It equips me to treat others as I would want to be treated (Matt. 7:12).

His love in my mind and His humility in my mind can be my defense against either donating or receiving bad blood. His countless stories of dealing with people can inform my interactions. His mercy and forgiveness is my model. His defense of the innocent can be my sense of justice. His striking patience for the weak can help me help myself and others. His perfect generosity forbids me to give what is repulsive. His warnings hold me back when I’m impulsive. His teachings nourish me and keep my tongue healthy. His compassion is my assignment. His washing of His disciples’ feet illustrates the content of my service to others. His discipline can be my ideal. His remarkable capacity to listen can instruct my ears and mind.

There are six things the Lord hates,
    seven that are detestable to him:
¹⁷         haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
¹⁹         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Prov. 6:16-19, New International Version

Here is a four-fold test to determine whether you should pass along any information: (1) Is it true? Check the source. Too many good people have had their reputations dragged through the mire because somebody spoke of something without knowing the truth or falsity of the report. All too often those of us who should stand out as examples of how to use our tongues are those who are the most guilty. (2) Is it confidential? If it is, do not betray it! (3) Is it kind? We are expected to build each other up. Too often we spend much of our time tearing each other down. (4), Finally, is it necessary? There are very few times that I feel sorry for what I did not say. Rather, too often I feel sorry for what I did say. It has been well said that the highest level of conversation has to do with ideas, thoughts, truths, plans and events. As we analyze our conversations we might ask ourselves just how much of our time and energy is spent on talking about concepts or ideas rather than about people.^[1]

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^[1] Miller, R. M. (1984). Words of Strife. (B. Lewis, Ed.) Christianity Magazine, 1(7), 21.