In Thomas Lynch's popular book The Undertaking: Life Studies From The Dismal Trade, he reflects on his work as a funeral director in a small Michigan town. In 25 years, he has overseen some 5,000 burials. How has it shaped his thinking?

"It tends to make me want to resolve conflicts a little quicker," Mr. Lynch says, "because I've seen people go off to work who don't come home."

How many times have we huffed out of the house in the morning or turned out the light at night with anger smoldering in our hearts? Oh, we probably intend to resolve the conflict eventually, but not now. Let the other person suffer awhile in silence, we think. But if we dealt with heartbroken survivors as often as Mr. Lynch, it would change the way we think and act.

"Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil," the Bible counsels (Eph. 4:26-27). "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (v.32). The issue is not what others have done to us, but what Christ has done for us.

There's no better time than right now to apologize or offer forgiveness, and to restore a priceless relationship. The undertaker knows.  — David C. McCasland