The Poison Garden
In Eureka, California, best-selling author Amy Stewart tends an unusual garden behind her house. Every plant could kill you. Some of her plants, if ingested, would paralyze you. Some would stop your heart. Amy is a specialist in poisonous plants, about which she often writes and lectures. They are grown behind a secure fence.Few of us would want such a garden, but how many of us have allowed a root of bitterness to spring up within us? How many have a little toxic garden in our hearts?
If anyone had reason to remain bitter, it was Joseph in the book of Genesis. Yet he forgave his brothers, was reconciled to them, and provided for them. His forgiveness melted their hearts, and old wounds were somehow healed. Forgiveness isn't just a behavioral adjustment or psychological device. It is the sum and substance of every page and paragraph of the Bible. It's what the Bible is all about. It's the theme of the ages, the crux of the cross and gist of grace.
Beware lest any root of bitterness spring up within you.
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Comments (7)
Good message in how important it is take inventory of our own hearts, in regards, to withholding love and forgiveness from those who sincerely seek it. Though we were undeserving sinners ourselves under God's judgement, God did not withhold His love for us, by offering His Son to take the judgement for sin, in our place, so that God's forgiveness can be released, and His justice satisfied.
May love prevail in our hearts. Thanks for sharing. Good blog!
God bless!