Sweet or Sour?

My first excursion into foods other than typical American farm fare began when I went to Chicago as a college student. Chinese food soon became a favorite. And my favorite Chinese food is sweet and sour pork. The combination of flavors provides a zesty zing. I would choose another serving rather than a dessert.

Not everything that is both sweet and sour is pleasing to us or desirable. When someones personality alternates between sweet and sour we tend to avoid them. Sometimes it seems as if the person has two distinct personalities. In some cases the change is so complete that medical or mental help must be sought.

Often the sweet and sour combination is found in the words spoken. In the Bible James cautions us that just as a spring does not send forth bitter and fresh water at the same time, neither should our mouth. The old saying "sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words can never harm me" just isn't true. We can be greatly harmed by words hurled at us and our words can do great harm to others. Are the words you speak sweet or sour? Or, perhaps even worse, are your words both sweet and sour? That zesty zing found in sweet and sour foods becomes a bitter bite when found in words. Let your words bring grace rather than grief to those around you.