Lisa Notes: Bugs on a rose bush

What I’m memorizing:
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32

Something’s been eating my rose bush.

I don’t like it. It’s making holes in the leaves, which (a) takes away the plant’s food-making ability, and (b) makes the bush ugly.

And (c) if left untreated, threatens the very life of the bush itself.

Am I bugs on a rose bush?

Spending time with Ephesians 4:31 makes me more aware of my words and attitudes. As much as I don’t like it, they can be ugly and fierce and harsh and, (oh, do I have to say it? is it so if it’s not intentional?) sinful.

Just ask my daughter. When I get grouchy, she’s usually on the front line of attack…because she’s the one with me the most. And the one needing to ask me questions the most.

So she’s the one who’s hit by my bad mood the most.

When my words aren’t gentle and my attitudes aren’t pleasant, I’m bugs on her rose bush. I’m (a) eliminating healthy examples for her to feed off and grow in her own Christ-like behavior, and (b) I’m making her life uglier.

And (c) if left unchecked, I can choke off the very life of her spirituality as well.

Yikes!

What can I do?
Poison the bad bugs! And feed the good growth!
Put away the bad stuff (Ephesians 4:31). Put on the good stuff (Ephesians 4:32).

Be helpful.
Show compassion.
Give grace.

That’s what God in Christ does for me so I can grow strong and healthy.

And that’s what he’s telling me to do for others.

The result? A life of abundant blooms that glorify the Creator.

Lord,
Please poison my bugs of unflattering, selfish, impatient ways.

And instead, help me nurture others with tenderness, sensitivity, and graciousness, the ways you nourish me.