March 31st - Reflection

Ephesians 4:25-32 (NRSV)
Called to honesty and forbearance

So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Reflection
Anger that simmers can be used to bring forth sin and hate and all sorts of evil intentions against the neighbor. We need to deal with our anger and forgive. If the world were all made of forgiveness, just think of how things would be. That forgiveness started in Christ and continues in him through us to our friends, neighbors and even our enemies.

In the forgiveness comes the compassion and tender heart and Christ. It's certainly not the easy first step. But that first step has already been taken in that step of Jesus towards me. So, I step out in forgiveness towards those Jesus gives to me day by day with a compassionate and loving heart forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord you first came to me. You love me and show me your way. As I step out this day and approach those you give to me, may I step towards them with a heart of compassion, love, blessing and forgiveness. --- Amen