Bury the Hatchet

Bury the Hatchet

Bury the Hatchet--a hatchet surrounded by pieces of woodHow I wish our world would learn to bury the hatchet. Divisions occur everywhere.

People have always disagreed, and that’s okay. However, why not learn to disagree agreeably? Instead, we:

  • Hate
  • Argue
  • Gossip
  • Fight

We war against one another with words and actions.

This happens among:

  • Family members
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • Cities
  • States
  • Countries

Bury the hatchet originated as a Native American tradition.

According to The Phrase Finder, “Hatchets were buried by the chiefs of tribes when they came to a peace agreement.” What a powerful symbol.

We can bury the hatchet too.

When we recognize destructive speech or behavior, we have a choice. We can follow the same pattern, or we can break the cycle.

Peace requires strength.

To choose not to harm another person or group of people calls for courage. If someone hurts us, our natural reaction is to hurt them. We are ready to lock horns. Yet, two wrongs don’t make a right. Suffering continues on both sides.

Jesus taught and lived love and forgiveness for everyone. Although not easy, that remains the only way to true and lasting peace.

“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace” (Psalm 37:37 NIV).

Thanks to Ann Knowles for the suggestion. Image by Davie Bicker from Pixabay.

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7 thoughts on “Bury the Hatchet

  1. Always enjoy learning the origins of some of the sayings I grew up with. I have to admit though, when I read the title, my mind drifted back to the young man who collected discarded pop bottles to earn enough money to purchase my first hatchet. I was convinced I would be just like Daniel Boone. Alas, the folly of youth. Thank you for sharing some great insights ma’am.

  2. The Christmas season is a perfect time to remind us about sharing love, practicing forgiveness, and treating others as we would like to be treated. As we celebrate the coming of our Savior, I pray we can practice his commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34-35) His love for us was the greatest gift of unselfishness ever shared. Surely, we can try our best to love others to honor our Savior’s gift to us. Thank you, Diana.

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