The Cause and the Cure

In the early 2000's the Lakers were on a pretty good run as kings of the NBA and then egos, pettiness and infighting took its' toll. The ability of the team to successfully play as a cohesive group was completely destroyed. As Christians, we are called to act as one, in Christ and yet disunity often takes its' toll on us. That is why Paul said,

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 31-32 

The Apostle doesn't talk about the cause and effect, he tells us the cause and the cure! Isn't it interesting that he tells us that we first need to get rid of bitterness? Bitterness is that root within you that just grows like a choking weed. If you let bitterness grow within you it will produce rage and anger and then you'll find yourself brawling and slandering people. Think about it. Do you have a seed or root of bitterness in you? The enemy loves to sow seeds of bitterness within us, looking for a harvest of spiritual mayhem.

What's the cure? The cure is the humble kindness and compassion found in the fruit of the forgiveness we have received from God in Christ. This is the bottom line: God forgave me, I forgive others. 

The to do: Remember and thank God for his forgiveness. Forgive others and be kind and compassionate, as a fellow sinner saved by grace, to everyone. 

Father, thank you for your forgiveness in Christ. Help us to forgive other and be kind and compassionate. Praise be to you in us today!