I went out to church yesterday and checked on our white ducks. I wanted to see how they are acting because
we are going to add a couple of young ones to our flock. We have three that are alike and one duck that is a
different breed. The different one was the last one introduced to our group and I noticed that this relatively new
one was away from the others. I walked out about 50 yards from the other ducks and the newbie came up close
but cautiously. I slowly touched this one on the head and out of the corner of my eye I saw the most aggressive
of the other three ducks come charging towards us. The duck closest to me ran with the other duck right behind.
He grabbed at the “odd” duck’s tail feathers and followed him into the lake where the chase continued. It went
on for awhile until the aggressive one decided he’d made his point. He finally turned back to “his group” and
the other one swam further down the lake. I really was angered at what I saw, but I thought, “You know, people
act a lot like this all the time!” People can just be mean to others…and often just for the sake of being mean.
That’s where you see what is inside of all of us humans on planet earth. The good news about having a saving
relationship with this Jesus of the Bible is that we don’t have to act that way anymore. Because we are born
again, we actually have the power to not do those mean and invective things towards other people. That doesn’t
guarantee that we will actually do that…but we can now choose a different way. There is so much bitterness
and anger in our world today…but you know what? It has always been there. As a follower of Jesus, we can
still unload our hurt or anger on others. Or we can treat others like God has treated us. And that would be with
kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness. God has done that for us…and now we have the opportunity to do
that for others. So, swim against the current today. Get ready for the unloading of the wrath of others…and
then do your best to return it with the love and kindness of this Jesus of the Bible.
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (32) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Remember I’m praying for you…
With love, Pastor Joe
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (32) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Remember I’m praying for you…
With love, Pastor Joe