Storms of Life: Encouragement for Seasons of StruggleSample

Yard Debris

. . . bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you. (v. 13)

Wind damage from hurricanes is often caused by debris snatched up and launched like missiles. When the last hurricane threatened, we quickly inspected our yard and removed things like fallen branches, the pile of unused plastic planters by our garage, and scrap boards in our side yard. Cleaning up this trash was a chore we should have done earlier—if we had, we would have enjoyed an unobstructed yard in better weather.

Unresolved offenses, such as careless words, arguments, and selfish actions are like spiritual trash. When life is calm, we might hide or try to ignore them. But our closest relationships, those with God and loved ones, can be obstructed by the litter in some way. When storms of change whip through, this spiritual debris of hidden resentments and unforgiveness can be snatched up in the turbulence and launched at one another causing extensive damage in our lives and relationships.

Our reading from Colossians points us towards a better way, towards a healthy way of clearing away spiritual trash so that we can enjoy unobstructed relationships with God and others. Paul instructs us to bear with one another and to forgive. This is practicing love, which not only removes spiritual debris, but builds each other up and binds us together in unity with God, where we are better prepared to persevere during storms of change.

As you pray, ask God to help you resolve offenses with others and live in his peace.