Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Message: As I write this message for this Lenten season in the middle of January, it seems to me that I could almost stop here after transcribing this verse!  What advice could be more sound?

Next week, our nation will have a new President and our citizens seem to have two very different avenues of thought about what’s going to happen next in our homeland.  At the same time, a cease fire appears to be beginning in Gaza.  Will this one work?  God knows, but He isn’t telling!

I can’t think of a time in the last fifty years where we have had a greater need to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander as evil behavior seems to be everywhere.  God has given us direction in Ephesians about what to do: maybe repeating these words as our new daily prayer mantra will get us closer to following His Word.

Prayer: Father God, I pray today that we follow Your instruction to be kind to each other, to be tenderhearted, and to be forgiving of one another.  Forgive us we pray Father for our daily human failures.  Gird us to do better in Your eyes as we begin each new day that we are Blessed to receive from You.  Amen.

Bob Showalter