The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven–

2 A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

3 A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.

5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away.

7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; a time to be silent and a time to speak.

8 A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.”

There is no question about the accuracy of Solomon’s words. There is certainly a time for every event under heaven. The circumstance of each and every event, however, determines (or ought to determine) how we approach the situation.

Generally speaking, we are excited about the birth of a child; therefore, it is appropriate (and expected) that we will rejoice with the parents in the child’s birth. Yet, with the pending death of a person, we are expected to be solemn and to offer sympathy to the family of the deceased. Selecting the proper attitude for a specific occasion is certain to gain the respected approval of the group.

When circumstances leave us in a quandary as to how to behave, we do well to be silent. In such times, however, we do well to be conscious of the LORD’s presence. He is always present regardless of the occasion.

I have a good friend who is Iranian. Politically, I sided with the recent bombing of the Iranian nuclear facilities. Had the occasion arisen, however, that I had been asked my opinion of the bombing, I would have shared sorrow over those who were killed, regardless of their political affiliation.

Solomon’s notations of the multiple circumstances in the verses above demonstrate how all-inclusive the LORD is in every conceivable situation. Just remember to pray. And when you pray aloud, lean heavily on the LORD in the manner of your expressions. Such will serve you and your hearers well when you do.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need

Until He becomes all that we have.” — Corrie ten Boom