There are two major culprits that are causing havoc in the hearts and lives of people and even nations - guilt and bitterness. Guilt originates from what we have done wrong, and bitterness comes from wrongs inflicted upon us. The amazing thing about these two culprits is that they can be passed easily from one generation to the next.

Immediately prior to the breakup of Yugoslavia I was scheduled to conduct a nation wide pastors conference there. After I flew into Belgreg airport, I began to speak with the manager of one of the car rental places. He asked what I had heard in the US news about the conflict between the Serbian and Croatians. I try to avoid any discussion of such sensitive political matters. But he wouldn't let me leave without hearing his feelings. He told me, " I am Serbian, I have Croatian friends. Some were even in my wedding party." All of a sudden his countenance changed and he sternly said, "But I would kill them in a minute."

I was shocked and asked him, "Why?" I couldn't believe what he said next. He was younger than me, which meant that he was also a post WWII baby boomer. He said, "In WWII, the Croatians sided with the Nazis."

I interrupted, "But you and your Croatian friends weren't even alive then. Why would you want to kill them now?" Bitterness began to flow out of his heart. At that moment I realized one of the great truths of life. Whatever we hold in our hearts good or bad will eventually flow out to our children and grandchildren. What kind of future will you leave for your children? One of peace and forgiveness or one of guilt and bitterness. It may be determined by what's in your heart. Perhaps each one of us needs to pray with the Psalmist, "Create within me a pure heart, oh God." The fruit of that prayer may be reflected in your children and grandchildren.