Most major arguments don’t begin large, but are rooted in small annoyances, breaches or trespasses. It’s like the mighty oak that stood on the skyline of the Rocky Mountains. The tree survived hail, heavy snows, bitter cold and ferocious storms for more than a century. It was finally felled, not by a great lightning strike or avalanche, but by tiny beetles.

A little hurt, neglect or insult can be the beginning of the end for virtually any relationship. Therefore take care what you say (and do!) and be certain the attitude you have is right. A critical spirit is like poison ivy—it only takes a little contact to spread its poison. Instead, our response should be to “shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16). The earlier you stop the problem, the better—so nip it in the bud!

Further Reading:
“How the Bible Helps Cement Broken Relationships”