When No One Wins: Lessons from the Python and the Cobra
In the wild, a python once fought a king cobra. The python used its strength to squeeze the cobra tightly—so tightly it couldn’t breathe. At the same time, the cobra bit the python and released its deadly venom. In the end, both of them died. One died from poison. The other from suffocation.
No one won. No one walked away alive. It was a fight that ended in tragedy for both.
Sadly, this is how many people live today. Not in the jungle—but in families, friendships, churches, and even workplaces.
* In families, brothers stop talking to each other for years over land and other disputes.
* In friendships, people compete instead of celebrating one another’s wins.
* In marriages, silent treatment and harsh words do more damage than healing.
* Even in church, we see people gossiping, backbiting, or holding grudges—all while quoting Scriptures and Ministering powerfully.
Why? Because like the python and cobra, many are fighting battles where both will lose. Pride and jealousy are slowly killing what could have been beautiful.
The Bible is clear on this:
* “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
* “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
* “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Real-Life Reflections:
1. In marriages – One spouse wants to be always right, the other refuses to say sorry. They stop talking. Days become weeks. Weeks become years. A small misunderstanding, mixed with pride, becomes a big wall of barrier between the two.
2. Among friends – Someone gets promoted or engaged, and instead of being happy, the other grows cold and starts spreading rumors.
3. In ministry – A young preacher is rising, and the older one feels threatened instead of mentoring him. Insecurity replaces love.
In the end, no one wins. Just like the python and cobra—one with the venom of gossip, the other with the pride that suffocates unity.
So, what can we do differently?
* Choose peace over ego.
*“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
* Choose humility over pride.
Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself and served (Philippians 2:5–8). If the Son of God could kneel to wash feet, surely we can say, “I’m sorry” or “You go first.”
* Choose love over competition.
“Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
* Choose healing over hurting.
Let go of that grudge. Make that call. Say what needs to be said—kindly.
You don’t always have to win the argument, the fight, or the position. Sometimes, choosing peace is the win. Because when we tear each other down, we all lose. But when we choose love, everyone grows.
*Don’t be the python. Don’t be the cobra. Be the peacemaker.*
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When No One Wins: Lessons from the Python and the Cobra
In the wild, a python once fought a king cobra. The python used its strength to squeeze the cobra tightly—so tightly it couldn’t breathe. At the same time, the cobra bit the python and released its deadly venom. In the end, both of them died. One died from poison. The other from suffocation.
No one won. No one walked away alive. It was a fight that ended in tragedy for both.
Sadly, this is how many people live today. Not in the jungle—but in families, friendships, churches, and even workplaces.
* In families, brothers stop talking to each other for years over land and other disputes.
* In friendships, people compete instead of celebrating one another’s wins.
* In marriages, silent treatment and harsh words do more damage than healing.
* Even in church, we see people gossiping, backbiting, or holding grudges—all while quoting Scriptures and Ministering powerfully.
Why? Because like the python and cobra, many are fighting battles where both will lose. Pride and jealousy are slowly killing what could have been beautiful.
The Bible is clear on this:
* “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
* “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
* “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Real-Life Reflections:
1. In marriages – One spouse wants to be always right, the other refuses to say sorry. They stop talking. Days become weeks. Weeks become years. A small misunderstanding, mixed with pride, becomes a big wall of barrier between the two.
2. Among friends – Someone gets promoted or engaged, and instead of being happy, the other grows cold and starts spreading rumors.
3. In ministry – A young preacher is rising, and the older one feels threatened instead of mentoring him. Insecurity replaces love.
In the end, no one wins. Just like the python and cobra—one with the venom of gossip, the other with the pride that suffocates unity.
So, what can we do differently?
* Choose peace over ego.
*“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
* Choose humility over pride.
Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself and served (Philippians 2:5–8). If the Son of God could kneel to wash feet, surely we can say, “I’m sorry” or “You go first.”
* Choose love over competition.
“Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
* Choose healing over hurting.
Let go of that grudge. Make that call. Say what needs to be said—kindly.
You don’t always have to win the argument, the fight, or the position. Sometimes, choosing peace is the win. Because when we tear each other down, we all lose. But when we choose love, everyone grows.
*Don’t be the python. Don’t be the cobra. Be the peacemaker.*
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