Giving Grace

AM Psalm 68 • PM Psalm 72
1 Kings 19:9-18 • Eph. 4:17-32 • John 6:15-27

Today’s reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians “hits home” in so many ways, it is a challenge to focus my reflection. The opening condemnation of the Gentiles “(who) live in the futility of their minds…” sounds very timely, doesn’t it? When I consider the definition of futile, I think of time wasted looking at “screens”—and how meaningless much of it is. Paul continues to describe those (who) “have lost all sensibility and have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” Harsh words, indeed!

Paul’s message to the early church at Ephesus continues with this admonition to its readers/hearers, “That is not the way you learned Christ! For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus.” Paul goes on about putting away falsehoods and speaking truth to our neighbors—all of which brings to mind the “fake news” and false statements from political leaders which have clouded so much of the futility of (our) minds recently.

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up… so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” Having gained some insight as to how my words might be hurtful to others or mis-perceived, I am learning to pause before saying precisely what is on my mind. And in the same vein, I also try not to immediately re-post something I see on social media before taking the time to check out the source, but that doesn’t mean that un-truths or partial truths don’t sometimes get passed along.

“Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice…” As I said, this passage really “hits home” and, unfortunately, I know that my words may convey all of the above, even when that is not my intention!

But the closing words of this reading are the most important of all, so I want to end with this encouragement: “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Thanks be to God!

Written by Shannon Mitchell

...who is grateful for that forgiveness every day.