by Elizabeth Haarberg

Planting God’s beautiful seed in difficult places.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version

Resentment, bitterness, and hatred are enemies of God. Saying yes to these miserable ideas is damaging to our physical bodies, our minds, and it creates a wall between us and God.

When searching the internet for what is the opposite of resentment, the definition reads to “resist the temptation to blame anything external for your own suffering or perceived deficits.”

Removing the yuck is essential to returning to our first love. The work is done by digging up the diseased roots through surrender, prayer, and meditating on God’s word.

It is possible to plant seeds of the fruit of the spirit in the leftover seed beds of resentment, bitterness, and hate, and let them grow into beautiful trees. The seeds are tended by the Holy Spirit, who nurtures and waters the orchard. This same Spirit brings us into agreement with this tending and planting.

There is a choice every day to carry the seed sack of good, not evil. Continue to plant the beautiful seeds in the old places. Let’s be aware of our thoughts when we see people with whom we have had negative thoughts or interactions. Look at them deeply, and know they also have been crafted by the King of the Universe. Do not return their snarl, but give them a heavenly smile. Draw them into hope, not hate, and love, not bitterness.

Loving a stranger is easier than loving someone who has offended us.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48 New International Version

Ultimately the answer to resentment, and bitterness, is love and kindness.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado