There used to be an old business axiom that whenever you write a letter during the heat of an angry moment, take the letter and put it in a desk drawer, wait 24 hours, then reread the letter. More often than not, after having a chance to cool off, you would be more inclined to drop the letter in the garbage can or run it through the paper shredder than put it in the mail.
Too bad the late John Lennon didn't know that axiom. I've read that a new book of Lennon's letter will soon be published. Although Lennon could be quite humorous and very eloquent with the written word, it seems that many of the vicious and hurtful letter that he wrote to some within the Beatles family will be included in the collection.
Anyone familiar with Beatles lore is well aware of how nasty and mean-spirited their break-up was. It seems that those still alive have been able to put behind them the drama of their acrimonious break-up and have been able to focus on their friendships, their love for music and the joy that their music gave to so many.
To release a such a book now seems to akin to picking off a scab from a wound. What good can come from publishing these letters now? Do we all want to be reminded again of how vicious and crude and insulting John Lennon could be when he was angry? That is not an aspect of his personality that we would ever celebrate. I think such a book could tarnish Lennon's legacy.
Things written or said in the heat of anger are usually never helpful. Luther, in his explanation to the 8th Commandment, wrote that we should defend our neighbor and speak well of him or her and put on everything done the best construction (or explain it in the kindest way). In the Large Catechism, Luther began his teaching on the 8th Commandment by writing, "Over and above our own body, spouse, and temporal possessions, we still have another treasure - honor and good reputation." To write or speak slanderous things or to speak outright lies against our neighbor can harm or ruin a person's reputation and good name. God's Will for you and me is that we not harm anyone, friend or enemy. What Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:12 is good for us all: So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Too bad John Lennon didn't make use of his desk drawer.
