Ephesians 4:29-32
Reflect
Do you have life verses? Yes, all Scripture is God breathed, but are there some that God has especially put dear to your soul? This passage is one of mine. Sadly, my life aspires to live more toward these verses than I can say that my life gives testimony of them. Through God’s grace, He is not finished with me yet.
The word “corrupting” in v.29 is used for rotten fruit that spreads its foul ethylene and bacteria to surrounding fruit. Soon the entire bunch is corrupted and is best avoided. Have you ever been in that bunch? What was your role?
Could better words ever be written than v.32? Everett Worthington’s influence on my understanding and action on forgiveness is unequalled. Amongst many other nuggets are his 5 stages of unforgiveness. The first three are not necessarily sinful (transgression, perception, and emotion); he wisely reveals that the last two are (rumination and unforgiveness). Ruminating upon a transgression puts us all into ungodly bondage. Certainly, ruminating affects our spiritual wellbeing; however, it is immensely detrimental to our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Jesus calls us to the abundant life of dwelling in freedom. What transgression occurred to you that you continue to ruminate upon, and are thereby in bondage to? What is an indication of how motivated you are to forgive? As always, it is the more mature person that makes the first move to reconciliation.
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate. Pray for our Evening Event Hosts, Ethan Okken and Noah Okken