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Ephesians 4:31-32 New Living Translation (NLT)
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Have you ever had an old friend or close friend who has hurt you deeply? When you both saw each other, you would smile at each other and briefly speak to one another. It appears the anger and pain felt fresh and overwhelming.
Then I felt the Holy Spirit bring today’s scripture to my mind. On that same day I recalled the purple sponge in my kitchen sink. You see, the sponge can’t absorb bitter coffee and squeeze out sweet apple juice. So why do I believe I can hold on to bitterness and pour out compassion and forgiveness? As with the sponge, what I soak up is what will come out.
As a child of God, we must be willing to get rid of bitterness and every form of malice. Then the scripture talks about being “be kind and compassionate forgiving each other,” just as God forgives us. Only when we make room for kindness, compassion, and forgiveness can we get rid of bitterness and malice. Let us keep in mind, if Christ can forgive me, then surely I can forgive my friend.
By Hebert Anderson
