Transformation Through Teardrops

You shalt not:  sin - as in don't lie (even little white ones), don't steal, don't speak slander, don't be bitter, ......  Not very encouraging words from Paul, the possible author of Ephesians 4:25 -5:2 are they?  This passage feels like the Ten Commandments of the New Testament if we focus on the "shalt nots".  Instead, let's come at them from the perspective of the Trinity - God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit - and see what they've already done in our lives.  Through the waters of baptism, we're already incorporated into one another (verse 25). So sinning through word or action hurts our family - hurts our very selves.  Through the waters of baptism, we've been marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit for our day of redemption(verse 30).  In other words, we have the equipping power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to resist the temptations listed in the "shalt nots". God in Christ has already forgiven us (verse 32).  Having already been forgiven (and we alone know how much we need this forgiveness), we can respond to our own forgiveness by forgiving others.  God's forgiveness is our model for kindness and compassion toward others.  Out of our relationship to God as God's children, flow the behaviors that are characteristic of our God.  By imitating God behaviors (5:1) we practice what we are becoming.  "We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (5:2)

Each Sunday we watch the baptismal waters wash up into the light and spray down upon our upturned faces to remind us of all that God has already done for us.  When we cry in frustration of yet another time of criticizing others, acting out our bitterness, or letting our anger dictate our response, let our teardrops of sorrow wash us clean from such choices.  Instead let us welcome the wash of water down our cheeks remind us of the refreshment of God's grace, just as a cold shower in response to a hot summer day renews our energy for better choices.

May we continue to be watered with God's steadfast loving kindness.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley